New hydraulic roof system can be dropped or put up in 12 seconds, plus 'wet mode' will intervene in tricky wet weather driving
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
Attention consortium of car enthusiasts - Porsche have revealed the Cabriolet versions of the new 992 911.
But this is not just a cosmetic flourish, more a surgical upgrade. After the unveiling of the new 992 Carrera S and 4S Coupe models in November, the Cabriolet versions represent the start of the gradual drip feed of new 992 911 model range.
So, what’s new about the Carrera S and 4S Cabriolets? The roof mostly. It has a new hydraulic system that means it can open and close in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. Handy in a sudden deluge. Furthermore, the soft structure contains magnesium surface elements called bows, that prevents the ballooning of the roof at high speeds. Well, that discounts any vague notion of a hot air ballooned 992 model from the rumour mill. It does mean though, that occupants will be able to enjoy the 992’s performance prowess in full exposure of pleasant ambience and sauntering vibes of searing sunny temperatures.
For when it rains though, Porsches new techy wizard Wet Mode will save you. It assesses the wet road conditions, adjusts the cars driving control systems to combat and alerts the driver to the severity of the wetness. Furthermore, in an early form of automotive driving, the camera-based warning and brake system highlights hazards looming on the road. It will detect risks of collisions with vehicles, people and cyclists and alert the driver of scenarios or will emergency brake to prevent crashes. It would be a tad nerve jangling if you decided to try it out intentionally on the road.
The powertrain components are a copy and paste arrangement from the Coupe variants. So, the Carrera S is rear wheel drive; the Carrera 4S is all wheel drive and both will feature a six-cylinder 3.0 litre twin turbocharged flat six boxer engine. It produces 444 bhp thanks to a new injection process, new layout for the turbochargers and air-cooling system. It also has 391 Ib ft of torque, as an added complimentary boost. No sign of a manual gearbox yet, which is a little unsettling so power is sent through a newly-developed 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission.
That means the Carrera S Cab will do 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds - 3.7 with the Sport Chrono Pack - and will waft all the way to 190mph. The 4S Cab will blast to 62mph in 3.8 seconds - 3.6 with the Sport Chrono Pack ticked – but will peak at a way slower 188mph. That’s one small technical slip up noted: 2mph makes a massive difference on your morning commute around the M25. Those 0-62mph times are aligned to those of the outgoing 991 GT3. Gulp.
Porsche has thrown the bathtub at the new 992 Carrera Cabs chassis gizmos. The engine mounting position has been adjusted for a better centre of gravity, improving the 992 Carrera Cabs torsional rigidity. A new version of Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has been implemented onto the Carrera Cabs for the first time; it uses short, hard springs underneath the chassis that has been lowered by 10mm. It also has a larger track, the rear is 44mm wider while the front is 45mm. That has allowed the reintroduction of a recess at the base of the windscreen in a retro que from past 911 generations. Most of the car is now made from aluminium, apart from the front and rear sections.
Essentially, Porsche has undergone a modernisation process, refining all the technical aspects typifying the evolution of the 911 transitioning into the latest mechanical modernity. This symbolism of growth is exemplified by a growing trend: a light bar stretching across the rear of the 992. This light sabre slash across the rear apron accentuates the familiar silhouette of a 911 in a modern and contemporary fashion. Above it, the variable-position spoiler spans the rear end also, adding a symmetry to the design. It looks sleek and crisp, but nothing radically altered to the aesthetics, suggesting a continuation of the adopted form following function approach.
Porsche 992 Carrera S Cabriolet
Price: £102, 755
Engine: 2,981 cm³ twin turbo, 444bhp, 391 lb ft
Transmission: 8 Speed PDK, RWD
Performance: 0-62mph in 3.7secs (SPC), 190mph
Economy: 28 mpg, 208 g/km CO2
Weight: 1585kg
The theme continues on the inside, but with a twist, the 992 features a completely new interior. The traditional analogue instrument cluster arrangement has been replaced, only the rev counter remains an analogue needle. Flanking that central, heightened counter stick are two screens that detail the 992s driving technicalities. This is only dwarfed by the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) screen on the centre console - at 10.9 inches. The new interior retains a sense of balance and inner calm, coupled with pragmatism that merges with the 911 mantra of moving with the times. It is dialled back, displaying modesty and elegance; it looks like a comforting place to be.
From an onlooker’s perspective, it looks like a continuation of attributes, theme and trends past over from the 991, only refined and honed further, incrementally improving the 992’s credentials. More intriguingly however, as the automotive industry severs ties with the internal combustion engine, it is only a matter of time before fundamental powerplant change takes place. Could the 992 range be the first generation of 911 to feature a hybrid model? Or will Porsche bypass the halfway house entirely and plum straight for the full works: an electric 911. Time will tell, we’ll stay tuned for that one.
The 992 Carrera S Cab will cost from £102,755 and the Carrera 4S Cab a bit more at £108,000 - both are available now. I’m just looking forward to the launch of the 992 GT3. Now that’s something worth patiently waiting for…
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
Photos: Porsche
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