Porsche has revealed a new convertible version of its 911 Turbo, set to hit the streets in September. The Cabriolet is powered by the same 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder as hardtop variants and benefits from chassis tuning to retain torsional rigidity.
True to the Turbo badge, the drop-top 911 should offer exhilarating performance. Capable of generating 480bhp and 457lb.ft of torque normally (the latter at just 1950rpm), the new car deploys up to 501lb.ft of twist if the box labelled "Sport Chrono Turbo Package” is ticked off the options list. But contrary to expectations, the semi-automatic Tiptronic S propels the car to 62mph in 3.8 seconds, a full two-tenths quicker than its manual counterpart. A 193mph top speed is identical for both manual and Tiptronic-equipped cars.
The open-top 911 Turbo unsurprisingly weighs 70kg more than the coupe, largely due to reinforcements in the chassis and the addition of steel tubing integrated into the windscreen frame, as well as an automatic extendable rollover protection system behind the rear seats. The three-layer soft-top, which can be automatically opened or closed in 20 seconds, is claimed to contribute to a low centre of gravity and is made of lightweight materials.
An aerodynamic car, the Turbo Cabrio matches the drag coefficient figure of its hardtop sibling at just 0.31 (with the roof raised presumably). The active rear spoiler - which extends 30mm further than that of the coupe - is automatically deployed at speeds above 75mph to generate negative lift at the rear axle and keep the car planted and composed at speed.
Nestling behind the 19-inch front wheels are six-piston high-performance callipers derived from those found on the range-topping Carrera GT, though Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake system is optional.
Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM), however, is fitted as standard equipment, along with Stability Management (PSM) and an all-wheel drive Traction Management (PTM) system, which is able to shift the drive output between the front and rear axles via an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch. Other standard features include Bi-Xenon headlamps, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) - with satellite navigation, a Bose surround sound audio system, wind deflector and leather interior.
The 911 Turbo Cabriolet will be priced from £106,180 - including Porsche’s Vehicle Tracking system (approved to Thatcham Category 5) and a Porsche Driving Experience programme - when it goes on sale in the UK from September 8th this year.
Eric Gallina - 10 May 2007