New Porsche 911 Cabriolet | Part Two

Both models have exactly the same top speed as their Coupe counterparts - 177 mph and, respectively, 182 mph - thus proving their outstanding aerodynamic qualities. Both versions of the Cabriolet have a drag coefficient of 0.29, ranking them at the top of their respective market segments. One of the features specific to the Cabriolet is the rear spoiler extending 20 millimetres (approx 0.8") further than on the Coupe. This minimises lift forces on both the front and rear axle, particularly at high speeds, in the interest of supreme driving safety.

The Coupe versions of the new 911 outperform the Cabriolet models by a few tenths of a second only in terms of their acceleration. The 3.6-litre version of the open-air Carrera (with manual gearbox) accelerates to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.2 seconds, the Carrera S Cabriolet completing this exercise in 4.9 seconds.

The new 911 Carrera Cabriolet comes as standard with the Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP) system comprising, in particular, two head airbags. Shaped like a flat cushion, these airbags are concealed in the doors along the bottom edge of the windows, and instantaneously inflate upwards in a collision from the side to ensure maximum head protection. A thorax airbag on the outer side of the front seat backrests, two full-size frontal airbags and three-point seat belts with belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats round off the high standard of occupant safety. In addition, the rollover safety system in the new Carrera Cabriolet is made up of two ultra-strong steel tubes in the windscreen A-pillars and two safety bars that move up automatically behind the rear seats, in an emergency situation.

The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet will be priced at £65,260 and the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet at £72,230 and will be available in the UK from 9 April 2005.