Coming next in the ever-expanding line-up of 991-generation 911s is this: the new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. The drop-top flagship will retain its twin-turbo powertrain from the ballistically fast coupe, but weigh in around 1645kg – 50kg heavier than the fixed head Turbo.
How can you tell it’s a turbocharged 911?
Giveaways include the huge rear wing, air intakes above the rear arches to feed the 3.8-litre flat-six and the 20-spoke alloy wheel design that’s exclusive to the new Turbo. Note that it’s not the same lightweight mesh wheel that’s fitted to the ultimate, the 911 Turbo S – the model pictured puts out 513bhp, while the Turbo S leads the range with 552bhp.
Remind me of the specification details
All 991 Turbos, whether coupe or cabriolet, are all-wheel drive, and don’t offer a manual gearbox option – it’s seven-speed PDK paddleshift only. There’s a rear-wheel steering system to aid low-speed agility and high-speed stability, too. Plus, the new 991 Turbo is the widest 911 ever, thanks to a 28mm wheelarch extension over the already inflated Carrera 4 bodystyle. The soft-top retains a 2+2 seating layout.
The slight weight penalty won’t affect performance noticeably, if the outgoing 997 Turbo Cabriolet is anything to go by. Reckon on a launch control-enhanced sprint to 62mph in around 3.2s, and a top speed close to 200mph.
How much will the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet cost?
Porsche charges an extra £8600 for a regular drop-top 911, which suggests that a 911 Turbo Cabriolet will set you back around a not insubstantial £127,000. The 552bhp Turbo S, complete with standard-fit ceramic brakes, Sport Chrono pack and upgraded hi-fi, will cost around £148,000.
Sounds expensive. How does it compare to other supercars?
Audi’s sublime R8 V10 Spyder undercuts the 911 Turbo Cabriolet by around £5k as a manual, but only £2000 or so when equipped with the whipcrack-fast dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox. At the opposite end of the market, the near-£150k Turbo S cabrio looks like good value compared to the £195,000 McLaren 12C Spider and £198,000 Ferrari 458 Spider – before the Porsche is treated to a pricey option list.
What exciting Porsche 911s are on the way next?
Torn between a 911 coupe or the cabriolet? Hold fire for the Targa, which will arrive in 2014 sporting an electrically retractable solid roof panel. Meanwhile, Porsche is already at work readying the maddest 911 to date: the new rear-drive, 550bhp-plus GT2.
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