PORSCHE REVEALS, PRICES NEW 911 CARRERA CABRIOLET

Porsche’s new 911 range, internally codenamed 991, has produced a new derivative in the form of a canvass top Cabriolet. These are the Carrera and Carrera S version which has now been unveiled and detailed, including engine and powertrain details.

Underneath the “baby’s” bonnet lies a 3.4-litre flat six engine pushing out 257kW at 7400rpm and 390Nm at 5600rpm into the rear wheels. The 3.8-litre Carrera S on the other hand does 294kW at 7400rpm and 440Nm at 5600rpm. Both are fitted standard with the world’s first 7-speed manual gearbox but can be optioned out with the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission. As a result, Porsche says both models can achieve less than 10 litres per 100km on the Euro cycle. For Mzansi, only the PDK automatic is available for now.

Through the use of materials like magnesium for the bonnet and a new aluminium-steel body, Porsche has ensured the new Cabriolet range is quite lighter than its predecessors. Technologies employed to enhance the already reputable driving dynamics of the car include a longer wheelbase, electro-mechanical power steering and a wider front track.

We’ll be seeing the new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S Cabriolets in South Africa in early 2012. Carrera Cabriolet will cost R1 109 000, while the Carrera S Cabriolets is priced at R1 259 000 a pop.