Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Car review: SAM HARDY

What is it?

The one that true Porsche enthusiasts like the least, traditionally speaking. But the new 911 Cabriolet is better looking than ever thanks to a new, more compact and sleek, fabric roof. It’s lighter and more powerful than before too – make no mistake, this car can soak up the sun but it’s also a very serious driver’s car too.

It’s not cheap, though – you’ll pay an £8,498 premium over the coupe, so the 345bhp 3.4 Carrera costs £79,947 (£82,334 with the PDK 7-speed gearbox) and the 400bhp 3.8  Carrera S weighs in at £89,740.

What’s hot?

• The roof is very neat with a shape that follows that of the coupe when in place, thanks to clever magnesium frames which are light but pull the canvas very tight
• The structure is so light that the car is 60kg less heavy than before
• You can drop the roof in just 13 secs at up to 35mph and there’s a new electric wind deflector which reduces buffeting
• The chassis is extremely stiff with no wobble at all. It handles just as well as the coupe with amazing grip and steering precision
• Both 3.4 and 3.8 engines are fantastic, offering ballistic acceleration…
•  …roof down the noise is spine tingling, but roof up the acoustics are so clever that you’re treated to an even purer sound
• And, roof up, it’s just as quiet as the coupe when you’re cruising
• Thanks to adaptive dampers the ride ranges from firm but comfortable, to race track stiff
• The 7-speed PDK is slick and more economical than the manual – over 30mpg on the motorway.

What’s not?

• Not much really. But if you want to make a bigger visual statement there’s always the Audi R8 Spyder…
• The PDK auto can kick-down even when you’re in manual mode, which is frustrating in a performance car
• At around £80,000 the 911 Cabriolet costs at least £40,000 more than the new Boxster, a car that is even better to drive and offers a true drop-top Porsche experience
• Roof down, there is a bit of a blind spot over your shoulder.

Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict

The latest 911 Cabriolet is the best yet. It’s great to look at, sensational to drive and easy to live with. There really isn’t any difference in the way it goes around corners compared with the coupe – it’s just as brilliant, benefitting from the new longer wheelbase and wider track that makes all 991 series Porsches more stable yet more grippy.

The roof is fabulous too, making this a car you can enjoy all year round. And while you’re never going to buy a 911 to cut fuel bills and minimize your pence per mile, this new model is incredibly clean and efficient, given its amazing performance, always an important company car issue.