THOSE who love performance cars will tell you that Porsche is a driver's machine. Hence the brand is as aspirational today as it was years ago. Now the manufacturer has announced an addition to the 911 Carrera range to make it even more exciting.
The debut of the new generation of the sports car classic is being followed only a few months later by the open-top versions of the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S.
What the coupé began with the new aluminium-steel body, the cabriolet continues with the all-new, unique hood. As a result, the typical 911 roofline is initially retained in its entirety.
Even when closed up, the cabriolet cuts a fine figure. Intelligent lightweight design, even including the use of magnesium in the hood, ensures less weight and more sportiness, lower fuel consumption and greater comfort.
With the open-top 911s as well, Porsche said it had managed to reverse the weight spiral and make the new cabrio models significantly lighter than their predecessors.
Each of the two new cabriolets has the same engine as its Carrera coupé equivalent.
The rear of the 911 Carrera cabrio houses a 3.4-litre flat-six engine pumping out 257kW of power driving the rear wheels through a seven-gear manual transmission.
The open-top Carrera S comes with a 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine developing 294kW and also a seven-gear manual transmission.
The manufacturer claims both models consume less than 10 litres of fuel per 100km.
The cabriolets also have the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission available as an option, delivering even lower fuel consumption and shorter acceleration times.
With a longer wheelbase, wider front track and the new electro-mechanical power steering, the new cabriolets offer even sportier driving characteristics, greater precision and agility.
Depending on model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available.
The 911 Carrera cabriolet will be launched in Germany in March next year. South African versions will be available in the second quarter of 2012.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
