First look: Porsche launches all-paw 911 cab

HOT on the heels of launching the 911 Carrera 4 and 4S coupe in Europe, Porsche has unveiled the cabriolet version of its all-wheel-drive 997-series 911 Carrera 4.

Due here late this year, the wider-bodied C4 cabriolet will, as per the coupe, be available in standard and S guise using the familiar range of potent six-cylinder boxer engines.

Like their coupe stablemates, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet is powered by a 3.6-litre flat six that propels the drop-top 911 to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, while the Carrera 4S is equipped with a 3.8-litre six that accelerates it to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Similarly, for the first time the all-wheel-drive Carrera cabriolets are available with the new Porsche active suspension management system - optional on the Carrera 4 and standard on the Carrera 4S.

The new cabriolet’s anti-rollover system consists of super high strength steel tubes in both A-pillars, and two automatically extending rollbars behind the rear seats.

The convertible soft-top opens and closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. The mechanism weighs 42kg, barely half as much as a comparable "vario" folding roof.

Pricing and specification are yet to be announced.