First look: 911 C4S goes cabrio
BY BRUCE NEWTON | 2nd Jun 2003
The European market launch is scheduled for October, and Australia should see it about the same time. Pricing has been set at $251,600 while, as with all Tiptronic S-equipped 911 models, the auto version will cost an extra $8000.
The C4S Cabrio shares the tough looks of the 911 Turbo model, but "makes do" with the 235kW 3.6-litre normally aspirated boxer engine, mated to four-wheel drive and the Porsche Stability Management System (PSM).
Weighing in 170kg heavier than the Coupe, the Cabrio still reaches the same 280km/h top speed in manual transmission form and accelerates to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, two-tenths slower than the Coupe.
The soft-top of the Carrera 4S Cabriolet can be opened and closed at the touch of a button while driving at speeds of up to 50km/h. It takes 20 seconds or so for the roof to unlock and fold back beneath a protective cover.
The brake system of the C4S Cabriolet is adopted from the 911 Turbo and comprises perforated and internally ventilated brake discs with a diameter of 330 millimetres. They are housed inside 18-inch light alloy wheels with front tyres measuring 225/40 and 295/30 at the rear.
The car can also be fitted with the revolutionary ceramic brake system, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).
Standard equipment includes metallic paint, full leather interior, hard-top and wind deflector. Styling cues include the characteristic light strip between the rear lights - one of the identifying features of the C4S models and a rear wing which is 60mm wider than that of the 911 Carrera.