Monday 5 December 2011
• 350bhp Carrera Cabriolet
• 400bhp Carrera Cabriolet S
• World’s first seven-speed manual gearbox
The all-new Porsche 911 Cabriolet will arrive in showrooms soon
It will take on stiff competition in the Audi R8 Spyder, BMW 6 Series Convertible and Jaguar XK Convertible, but promises to offer superior handling and efficiency.
Power comes from a 3.4-litre flat-six engine in the lower powered car and a 3.8-litre motor in the Carrera S. The S is the world’s first convertible to be fitted with a seven-speed manual gearbox. Porsche’s PDK double-clutch automatic ‘box can be fitted as an option in either car, slightly reducing acceleration times and improving economy.
It’s fitted with a fabric hood designed to be as light as possible, with a frame partly constructed from magnesium. It also shares the new aluminium and steel body from the Coupe reducing overall weight over its predecessor.
A wider front axle and increased length between the front and rear wheels increases high-speed stability. Porsche claim the new electro-mechanical power steering helps to save fuel and reduce emissions, without robbing precision and feel.
By Andy Goodwin, senior web journalist
