From the
2004 Paris Motor Show we brought you images of the all-new 997 model Porsche 911 Carrera as well as a significantly updated (and mildly facelifted) Boxster. Continuing the onslaught of new models, Porsche has now released images and initial details on the 911 Cabriolet.
There is nothing groundbreaking about the styling of the Cabriolet, but it does manage to look more coherent than the outgoing 996 model, mainly thanks to the 997's shapely new hips. The roof is a standard electric folding soft-top (stowing in 20 seconds), which helps to keep the weight penalty over the coupe down to only 80kg, ensuring that the Cabriolet versions are really not that much slower than the fixed-head 911. The Cabriolet range follows that of the coupe for the moment, with both Carrera (3.6-litre flat six with 325bhp, 177mph, 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds) and Carrera S (3.8-litre flat six with 355bhp, 182mph, 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds) versions available from launch.
Presumably Porsche will show the 911 Cabrio at the
Detroit Auto Show in January, ahead of a UK launch in April 2005. Prices start at £65,260 for the 911 Carrera Cabriolet, with the Carrera S version costing £72,230. We drove the 997 Carrera S earlier this year on track and road - watch out for the review coming soon on the main
Road Tests page. Is there really room in the world for the 911 Cabriolet alongside the excellent new Boxster?
Shane O' Donoghue - 8 Dec 2004