For a car looking more or less the same over the last several decades, there sure is a lot of fanfare whenever a new Porsche generation is introduced. And the situation is no different for the release of the latest 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.
Part of the reason for all the hoopla—well deserved I might add—is that Porsche has figured out a winning recipe for updating the iconic luxury sports car. Since the initial model debuted in 1963, each successive iteration is a little bigger, faster, and more polished without losing the essence of what made the original so special.
Image courtesy of Porsche.
For those whose memory of the glory days may be a little foggy, the German automaker provides some reminders, throwing in a few retro exterior styling elements that hearken back to a bygone era. Like the earliest 911 offerings, the front cargo lid features a recessed section in the centre, and the round headlight housings are positioned in an upright fashion.
A powerful stance is one of the vehicle’s signature characteristics, and compared to the outgoing Carrera S, the current version is a full 44 millimetres wider in the rear. A thin, elegant LED brake light connecting the tail lights further accentuates the appearance of width.
Step inside—by pulling on the electrically actuated door handles mounted flush with the body—and it’s evident the nostalgic theme carries into the cabin. The straight dashboard lines are very 1970s, and the tachometer, as always, remains analogue and is placed directly in front of the driver.
Image courtesy of Porsche.
Pretty much everything else in the interior is very 21st century, however, from the ultra-wide touchscreen controlling the infotainment system to an optional Night Vision Assist available in a 911 for the first time. An on-board thermal imaging camera relays what it sees onto the instrument panel, highlighting in yellow potential hazards such as pedestrians.
When typical Vancouver showers turn into spring sunshine, drop the fabric top of the Cabriolet in 12 seconds flat, pressing the button on the centre console, even when driving up to 50 km/h. What’s especially remarkable is how quiet the hydraulic convertible roof is when opening or closing.
It should be no surprise that this Porsche can move, too. Horsepower is bumped up five per cent, helping the vehicle rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in around four seconds. And the sound emanating from the twin-turbocharged engine? Heavenly.
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