We’re only just getting to grips with the new Porsche 911 Coupe, but as always, when one all-new 911 is revealed, plenty of variants follow in fairly quick succession. The first will probably be this, the next 992 911 Cabriolet.
Spied here with almost no disguise, the only noticeable styling difference on the car compared to the coupe is the folding fabric roof and its tonneau. Thanks to the recent glut of information that’s been released regarding the new 911 hard-top, we now know much more about what to expect.
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Like the 911 Coupe, the Cabriolet will be based on Porsche’s new MMB platform that will underpin not only the 911 but the future 718 as well. To increase structural rigidity – a historical 911 issue due to the stresses already faced by slinging out an engine behind the rear axle – Porsche has fitted an increased density of cast aluminium parts along the longitudinal chassis rails. There’s also a stronger windscreen surround and revised rear section to allow for the folding roof.
Engines and transmissions will be shared too, including the incoming non-S Carrera and Turbo powertrains; but this is where things get a little more interesting. Porsche has revealed that the GT-series 911s, namely the GT3 and its even more extreme derivatives, are possibly being considered as Cabriolet models too.
These potential hot convertibles are not to be confused with the latest 911 Speedster that Porsche has recently revealed (a new Speedster is expected follow later as a fourth 992 body derivative). Porsche has confirmed that the new MMB platform will support a total of three Cabriolet lines, standard 911, Turbo, and a third GT line. With major component changes between the standard and GT 911 models, does this mean that Porsche now has confidence that the new Cabrio’s structure will be able to handle a GT3’s extreme performance level? Only time will tell.
For now, let’s just focus on the Carrera S Cabriolet that will come first, and the chance that it’ll no longer be the boulevard-cruiser 911, and prove just as good to drive as the tin-top will surely be.