Convertible

The all-new 2012 Porsche 911 991 Cabriolet

By Ryan Konko

Posted on November 23, 2011

The Porsche 991 loses its top.

Shortly after introducing the new Porsche 991, the German automaker has unveiled the latest convertible variant for the new generation of 911 Carrera. The new 991 Cabriolet utilizes weight-saving technology to make it the most advanced convertible 911 ever made.

The 2012 Porsche 911 991 Cabriolet is available in Carrera and Carrera S variants, and is based on the Carrera coupe models. The 991 Porsche Cabriolet is built using an aluminum-steel body and features a newly designed convertible top. The new top is able to retain the same roofline as the coupe but is lighter than any predecessor. Porsche designed the top with a glass rear window and three separate elements integrated into the fabric. Each element is made of magnesium to save weight and retain strength. The fabric top can be electronically opened and closed in just 13 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

The new Porsche 991 Cabriolet has a drag coefficient of 0.30, aiding the convertible in becoming an efficient sports car. The 2012 Porsche 911 991 Cabriolet models will also come standard with a wind deflector located behind the rear seats to calm airflow and reduce wind noise. The new deflector was designed to save storage space and can be deployed in two seconds, even at maximum speed.

The same 3.4- and 3.8-liter flat-six engines that debuted in the 991-generation Carrera coupes will be used for both 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet models. The 911 Carrera Cabriolet will boast 350 horsepower at 7,400 RPM and 287 lb-ft. at 5,600 RPM, and is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (manual) or 4.6 seconds (PDK). The 911 Carrera S Cabriolet will have 400 horsepower at 7,400 RPM and 325 lb-ft. at 5,600 RPM on tap, and can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (manual) or 4.3 seconds (PDK) and reach top speeds of 187 mph (manual) and 185 mph (PDK).

As with the Carrera and Carrera S Coupe models, both of the Cabriolets will be available with optional driving and performance aids such as PASM, Sport Chrono, and other active control systems.

The 2012 Porsche 911 991 Cabriolet will go on sale in Germany on March 3rd, 2012. Prices for the Carrera Cabriolet will start at € 100,532, while the Carrera S Cabriolet will start at € 114,931. Pricing for the United States and other countries has not been announced.

2012 Porsche 911 991 Cabriolet Specifications

Engine:

Carrera Cabriolet
Displacement: 3.4 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 350 at 7,400 RPM
Maximum Torque: 287 lb-ft. at 5,600 RPM

Carrera S Cabriolet
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 400 at 7,400 RPM
Maximum Torque: 325 lb-ft. at 5,600 RPM

Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed manual or seven-speed PDK dual clutch
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:

Carrera Cabriolet
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds (manual) / 4.6 seconds (PDK)
Top Speed: 177 mph (manual) / 176 mph (PDK)

Carrera S Cabriolet
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (manual) / 4.3 seconds (PDK)
Top Speed: 187 mph (manual) / 185 mph (PDK)

Body:
Length: 176.8 in.
Width: 71.2 in.
Height: 51.1 in.
Wheelbase: 96.5 in.

Curb Weight:
Carrera Cabriolet: 3,241 lbs. (manual) / 3,197 lbs. (PDK)
Carrera S Cabriolet: 3,230 lbs. (manual) / 3,274 lbs. (PDK)