LA show: Porsche outs 911 Turbo Cabriolets

PORSCHE this week revealed its new 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolet variants ahead of their public debut at the Los Angeles motor show on November 20.

Like their coupe siblings, which were revealed in May this year, the blown duo are more powerful, lighter and yet about 15 per cent more efficient than their predecessors. They are also 28mm wider than run-of-the-mill 911 variants, and have rear-axle steering.

The folding fabric roof is now supported by a lightweight magnesium frame that makes it possible to form an identical arch to the Coupe when deployed, improving aero and reducing the cosmetic compromise. The top opens of closes in 13 seconds and speeds of up to 50km/h.

As reported, both versions of “the ultimate open air performance car” are available to order in Australia now: the Turbo is $388,800 plus on-road costs and the even more potent Turbo S is $463,100. However, don’t expect to take delivery until around April 2014.

At these prices the soft-top supercars are, unlike the coupe versions, between $18,000 and $20,300 more expensive than the previous-generation versions. They also command a price premium of $29,000 (Turbo) and $21,800 (Turbo S) over their hard-top equivalents.

Power for the Turbo comes from a force-fed 3.8-litre flat-six producing 383kW (up 15kW) and 660Nm (up 10Nm), while S models benefit from an extra 22kW for a power output of 412kW. Maximum torque for the Turbo S remains, like the old one, 700Nm.

The cars accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 and 3.2 seconds respectively, reaching a top speed of up to 318 km/h. The NEDC fuel consumption figure is listed as 9.9 litres per 100km (equivalent to 231 g/km CO2) for both variants.

Like the Coupe, both the Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolets are only available with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic with paddles (no manual option). To put the power down, both are all-wheel-drive, and feature rear wheels that turn up to 2.8-degrees depending on vehicle speed.

Stylistic changes from the Turbo Coupe carry over. Both versions you see here have 28mm wider flared rear haunches than the Carrera 4, an effect that is specially eye-catching with the top down.

Included as standard on Turbo models is a ‘sound symposer’ that transmits sounds of the engine into the cabin of the car via a speaker, with Porsche claiming an intensified driving experience.

The interior of the new Cabriolet models follows that of the 911 Turbo Coupe. The S gets seats with 18-way adjustment and memory, backrest shells in leather trim and various carbon-fibre highlights. A two-tone Black/Carrera Red interior is also available as a no-cost option.

As with the predecessor models, the Bose sound system is fitted as standard, while a Burmester system is also available as an option.

Radar-controlled adaptive cruise control system, camera-based road sign and speed limit recognition function and reversing camera are also available – but only as options.

2013 Porsche 911 Turbo Pricing*

Turbo Coupe	$359,800 (- $3900)
Turbo S	$441,300 (+$18,000)
Turbo Cabriolet	$388,800 (- $1300)
Turbo S Cabriolet	$463,100 (+$20,300)

*Plus on-road costs.