Porsche's 2020 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet Drops Its Top And Delivers Obscene Performance
It's been nearly four decades since Porsche rolled out its first open-top 911 variant, starting with a prototype it unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1981, followed by a commercial release a year later. It's been a staple option ever since. Continuing that tradition, Porsche unveiled its 2020 model 911 Cabriolet with a roof that the automaker says opens and closes more quickly than ever.
The newest model features a fully automatic soft top with an integrated rear glass window. Porsche says the top structure contains magnesium elements known as bows, which is supposed to resist ballooning when pressing the pedal to the metal. It can be opened and closed at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour (~31 miles per hour).
Porsche outfitted the 2020 model with new hydraulics that open the top in around 12 seconds. It also features an electrically extendable wind deflector to keep your neck from flapping in the wind.
There will be two models initially—Carrera S with rear wheel drive and Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive. Both are powered by a six cylinder boxer engine with plenty of grunt, like the non-Cabriolet models. Porsche says the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet can go from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, or 3.7 seconds with the Sports Chrono package. Additionally, it has a top speed of 306 km/h (~190 mph). The 4S model tops out at 304 km/h (~189 mph), and can go from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds (3.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono package).
For the first time, Porsche is making available its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport chassis for the 911 Cabriolet. This chassis features harder and shorter springs, along with front and rear anti-roll bars that are more rigid. It also sits 10mm lower. According to Porsche, these adjustments lend themselves to a more neutral feel on the road with better weight distribution.
Porsche widened the 2020 model for a more "self-assured" and "muscular" look than its predecessor. It features wider wings that arch over large 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear.
On the inside, a redesigned dash runs the length of the two horizontal wing levels. A frame-less 10.9-inch display serves as the command center.
Porsche also took steps to improve the overall safety. The automaker developed a Wet Mode that comes standard.
"This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set the car up to focus on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (Sport Chrono Package)," Porsche says.
"The camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collision with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and initiates a warning or emergency braking procedure if necessary. A park assistant system including reversing camera completes the standard configuration of the Cabriolet," Porsche adds.
Since these are 2020 models we're talking about, they will not be available for several more months. However, if you have $126,000 to spend on a car (or $133,400 for the Carrera 4S), you can order one now.
