Porsche has released details of the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet and Turbo S Cabriolet ahead of their formal debut at the Los Angeles motor show on 20 November, 50 years after the introduction of the original 911 and on the 40th anniversary of the 911 Turbo.
Their most eye-catching feature is their fabric top with a newly-designed lightweight magnesium frame that lends a coupé-like arch to the roof which is not possible with conventional 'hoop' frames - and which, unsurprisingly, is considerably more slippery (aerodynamically speaking) than conventional, rather angular fabric-top frames.
As with the previous models, the roof opens and closes in about 13 seconds, at speeds of up to 50Km/h.
The flared rear fenders of the new 911 Turbo generation are also 28mm wider than those of the 911 Carrera 4 models; a virtually flat surface extends just over a hand's width from the C pillar to the outer edge of the vehicle's body, for a road-hugging stance that's accentuated even more with the top down.
NUTS AND BOLTS
Mechanically, the two new convertibles are identical to their recently released tin-top siblings, with 3.8-litre biturbo flat-six boxer engines delivering 383kW and 412kW - that's 22kW more than the previous versions and good enough for 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.3 and 3.1 seconds respectively (0.2sec better than their predecessors) and 315km/h flat out for either model.
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, as are all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics, which can be adjusted to offer either optimum efficiency or maximum driving performance at the touch of a button.
SPECIAL TRIM
The interior of the topless Turbo models follows that of the Coupés, with the S-model available in a special black and red leather trim featuring power-adjustable sports seats with leather-trimmed backrest shells and double stitched seams, set off with carbon-fibre trim elements.
A top-end Bose sound system is standard, with a Burmester sound system available as an option for the first time, as are a radar-controlled adaptive cruise control system, camera-based road sign and speed limit recognition function and reverse camera.
The 911 Turbo Cabriolet and Turbo S Cabriolet are available to order now, at prices to be confirmed closer to the first deliveries, which are slated for the first quarter of 2014.