Porsche reveals new 911 Turbo Cabriolets, starting from $160,700*

Mon, 23 Sep 2013

Porsche has come a long way from the days when its entire model line revolved essentially around the 911, but its prototypical rear-engined sports car is still what it's known for best, and still keeps the German automaker pretty busy. With a seemingly endless array of variations on the theme, the 911s just keep on coming until a new generation arrives and then it starts all over again. And what we have here is the new king of the hill (for now, anyway).

Set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show a little less than two months from now are the new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolets. And no, that's not a typo: that's cabriolets, plural, because what you're looking at are two new models. First up is the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, whose 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six develops 520 horsepower, driving the droptop to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds. That's Porsche's claim, and we have a feeling it's a bit conservative. But if that's still not enough, the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet adds an extra 40 hp for a total of 560 to drop the benchmark acceleration run down to 3.1 seconds.

That makes the new topless Turbos 30 horses stronger and 0.2 seconds quicker than the respective models they replace, but the weight penalty involved with replacing a fixed roof with a folding one (and the necessary structural reinforcement) does make the new 911 Turbo Cabs a smidgen more lethargic than their contemporary coupe counterparts, which run the gauntlet in 3.2 and 2.9 seconds in standard Turbo and upgraded Turbo S specs, respectively. They only lose a single tick on the top speed, though, which clocks in at a follicle-tickling 195 mph in either spec. Otherwise the specifications are as identical as you might expect.

Of course you'll also spend a good twelve grand more for the wind-in-your-hair experience: the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet starts at $160,700, while the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will set you back a whopping $193,900 – *plus a $950 destination charge. If you haven't fainted yet, you can scope out the full details in the press release below and the photos in the gallery above.

POWERFUL, EFFICIENT AND WONDERFULLY OPEN – THE NEW 911 TURBO CABRIOLET MODELS

Atlanta. Porsche is adding two new models to the 911 range: the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. These new models combine the dynamic range of the new 911 Turbo models with the driving pleasure offered by an open-top sports car. 50 years after the 911 made its debut, and coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, the open-top versions of the 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S are make their global debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 20, 2013. By adding the two new 911 Turbo models into the mix, Porsche is doubling its offering of the top-of-the-range models to four versions.

In extending the range, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet deliver the same blend of sporty dynamism, performance and efficiency offered by the Coupe model unveiled a few months ago. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine delivers 520 hp in the open-top 911 Turbo and 560 hp in the S model. The cars accelerate from zero to 60mph in 3.3 and 3.1 seconds respectively, reaching a top speed of up to 195 mph. When compared against the respective predecessor models, the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet's deliver 30 more horsepower and are 0.2 seconds faster in terms of their standard acceleration. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet U.S. EPA fuel consumption ratings are 17.0 mpg city and 24.0 mpg highway.

Active rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics for improved performance and efficiency

The driving capability offered by the two new top-of-the-range Cabriolet models is something that cannot be expressed in simple figures. With a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission as standard and the new PTM all-wheel drive, as well as rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics, the open-top 911 Turbo models are establishing Porsche technology in the open-top super sports car segment. While the rear-axle steering has an immensely positive impact on handling, both on the racetrack and during everyday use, the active aerodynamics are adjusted to offer optimum efficiency or driving performance at the touch of a button, depending on the driver's selection.

More than ever before, both of these new top-of-the-range models make a clear visual statement about their performance. The wide flared rear fenders of the new 911 Turbo generation are 1.1 in. wider than those of the 911 Carrera 4 models – a virtually level surface and just over a hand's width extend out from the C-pillar to the outer edge of the vehicle's body. The impressive width is accentuated further when the top is down.

Another eye-catching feature of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is the exclusive Porsche retractable roof with its lightweight magnesium frame. This innovative technology enables the Coupe-like arch to the roof to be preserved when the top is closed. This arch, which offers advantages in terms of aerodynamics, is not feasible using conventional construction techniques. As with predecessor models, the roof opens and closes in around 13 seconds, at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Premium materials in the interior

The interior of the new Cabriolet models follows that of the 911 Turbo Coupe. The S-model boasts a particularly extensive range of features, including an exclusive interior available in Black/Carrera Red and adaptive Sport Seats Plus with 18-way adjustment and memory. In addition, the backrest shells of the seats are leather trimmed with double stitched seams, and various elements are made from lightweight carbon fiber. As with predecessor models, the Bose sound system is fitted as standard, and for the first time, a Burmester sound system is available as an option. The radar-controlled adaptive Cruise Control system, camera-based road sign and speed limit recognition function and reverse camera are also available as options.

The new top-of-the-range 911 Cabriolet models will be launched onto the market in early 2014. In the United States, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet costs $160,700 and the new 911 Turbo S Cabriolet costs $193,900. Note: Prices do not include destination charges of $950.

By Noah Joseph