With the updated 911 Turbo comfortably out of the gate, Porsche has released the next natural step in the new sports car’s evolution: the topless versions. The 2014 911 Turbo Cabriolet and Turbo S Cabriolet are scheduled to debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show next month.
Like the 911 Turbo coupe, the Cabriolet is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8 liter six-cylinder engine producing 520 horsepower in standard form and 560 in the S. That’s an additional 30 horses compared to last year. 0-60 comes up in 3.3 seconds (3.1 in the S) and these open-top Porsches will run all the way to 195 mph, if one is so brave. The seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is standard.
Some purists aren’t happy with the 911 Turbo’s new active rear-axle steering. Bad news for them: it’s used on the Cabriolets as well. The 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolets are technological showpieces as much as they are continuations of the Porsche 911 heritage. Active aerodynamics and a lightweight magnesium frame for the convertible top are just a few of the upgrades that enable the 911 Turbos to stand out.
The body is distinguished by some of the widest rear fenders Porsche has ever installed on a production car. The new 911 Turbo Cabriolet is a full inch wider than the last Carrera 4. On the inside, upgraded interiors are similar to those of the 911 Turbo coupes, with adaptive sport seats, an available Burmester sound system and elegant leather stitching. A road sign and speed-limit recognition system that uses cameras and a backup monitor are available.
Porsche has set pricing of the new 911 Turbo ragtops at $160,700 for the Turbo Cabriolet and $193,900 for the Turbo S Cabriolet. They go on sale early in 2014.
