Porsche has unveiled the all-new 911 Cabriolet less
than two months after the coupe debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 911 Cabriolet features an automatic soft top with a lightweight structure
that has magnesium bows to prevent “ballooning of the roof at high speed.” The
roof also features an integrated glass rear window.
Speaking of the roof, it can be opened and closed
faster than its predecessor thanks to new hydraulics. The process now takes
approximately 12 seconds and the top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 50 km/h. When the roof is down, a wind deflector rises to ensure drivers
remain comfortable.
At launch, the 911 Cabriolet will be offered
exclusively in Carrera S and Carrera 4S guise. Both feature a twin-turbo
3.0-liter flat-six engine that develops 443 hp and 530 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a new eight-speed dual-clutch
transmission which enables the Carrera S convertible to rocket from 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.7 seconds, before hitting top speed of 306 km/h. The addition of all-wheel drive drops the 0-100 km/h time to as little as 3.6 seconds, but the top speed also falls to 304
km/h.
Speaking of performance, the 911 Cabriolet promises
to be a better driver’s car as the model has more torsional rigidity than its
predecessor and can now be equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension
Management system for the first time. When that option is selected, the car has
stiffer anti-roll-bars and a ride height that has been lowered by 10 mm. Porsche says the changes give the model a “more neutral feel on the
road” as well as better weight distribution.
Styling largely carries over from the coupe so it’s
not too surprising that the model has evolutionary styling, a rear light bar
and a larger rear spoiler. The Cabriolet also features stylish wheels that
measure 20-inches front and 21-inches out back.
The familiar styling continues in the cabin as
drivers will find a mixed digital and analog instrument cluster as well as a
10.9-inch infotainment system. The only difference between the coupe and
convertible appears to be dedicated controls to open or close the roof.
The 2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet will be launched
later this year and the company is currently accepting pre-orders. In the
United States, pricing starts at US$ 126,100 for the Carrera S Cabriolet and US$ 133,400 for the 4S variant (excluding a US$ 1,250 delivery, processing and
handling fee). Customers who don’t finch at the price hike of more than US$ 9,000
can expect deliveries to begin late this summer.