After November’s reveal of the sophisticated new 911 Carrera—called the 992—Porsche gave the industry watchers a well-timed break. A few weeks was enough, apparently, before the next chapter of the 2020 911 story.
Interestingly, Porsche put things in low gear for the next 911 entry for 2020. Rolling out a new model year series like this is as tricky a business as proper song order on a great pop album…optimal placement within the progression is key for memorable impact. This is especially true if you are Porsche, and the model series you’re rolling out carries with it the soul and poetry of the brand.
So the Cabriolet following the Carrera might seem like marketing down-time, a sweet mid-winter distraction, like a memory of milder spring. The Cabrio has always been the wallflower of the 911 brethren, a lovely creature destined for the margins of the room while its more assertive siblings dominate the conversation. And the new 911 Cabriolet is as dishy as ever, with no substantive surprises. But, as always, the car carries with it a whole lot of feminine charm.
There are notable improvements. For one thing, the soft top can retract or lock into place in 12 seconds, and do so at up to 31 miles per hour; a rigid magnesium frame keeps it stable. Porsche will offer its PASM Sport suspension as an option on the soft top variants, too.
Power will come from a revised 3L six-cylinder bi-turbo engine, with 443 HP and 390 pound-feet of torque going to the wheels with Porsche’s new eight speed PDK. As for the interior, it looks uncluttered and straightforward. But, then, driving a rag top is all about the scenery.
Prices will start at around $126K.