Springtime arrived early at the North American International Auto Show with Porsche’s introduction of the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S Cabriolet. Development of the new, seventh-generation 911 Carrera and Carrera S Coupes began with a new aluminum-steel body. The Cabriolets are a continuation of the evolution with the addition of an all-new, unique top that retains the characteristic 911 coupe roof line. The intelligent lightweight design makes use of magnesium for weight reduction, improved performance and lower fuel consumption.
The new convertible top features a flexible roof comprised of a heated glass rear window and three integrated top elements. Top bows are fabric covered and composed of magnesium, making the convertible top very stable and light. A water channel helps keep rainwater from dropping into the entry when opening the doors. Actuated by a button on the center console or by the vehicle key, the top opens or closes in approximately 13 seconds.
Both Cabriolets feature the same engine as its Carrera Coupe counterpart. The rear of the 911 Carrera Cabrio houses a 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engine generating 350 horsepower while driving the rear wheels through a seven-gear manual transmission. The open-top Carrera S comes with a 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine developing 400 horsepower and also featuring a standard seven-gear manual transmission. The Cabriolets offer the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) as an option.
The 911 Carrera Cabriolets will be available later in the spring. The new 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet will have a base MSRP of $93,700, while the 2012 911 Carrera S Cabriolet base MSRP will be $103,800 (excluding destination).
