NEW PORSCHE 911 CABRIOLET SPIED FOR THE FIRST TIME
The all-new 992-generation Porsche 911 Cabriolet has been spotted testing for the first time ahead of its reveal in 2019. We’ve already seen official camouflaged images of the Coupe but this is our first look at the forthcoming drop-top variant, and it sure is looking good!
The prototype is for the Carrera S Cabriolet, though the basic design will be common to all next-generation 911 variants.
The styling is clearly evolutionary. This is after all a 911 we’re talking about. What’s interesting, though, is the active rear wing that forms part of the body. It stretches the width of the car and sits atop a horizontal strip of LEDs serving as the taillights.
While the car in the latest shots is covered in cladding, it’s clear Porsche will adopt an evolutionary approach to styling. Classic 911 design cues such as the headlamps and wide haunches are evident, although this car’s gaping side vents and large rear wing point towards the flagship Turbo being tested.
It looks as though little has changed with regards to the electric fabric roof, which should continue to fold flush in less than 20 seconds, which is quite quick and should be no problem folding or unfolding at a traffic light interval.
As this new 911 Cabriolet was snapped on the move, we’ve not been granted a look inside. However, we expect it to almost completely mimic the revised Coupe, which we’ve spotted in development testing several times. That means a large central touchscreen with a simplified centre console and fewer buttons, as well as part-digital dials focused around a big analogue rev counter.
It’s expected that Porsche will continue to offer a range of turbocharged engines in the 911 Cabriolet, ranging from the base Carrera to the range-topping Turbo S. It’s almost certain electrification will play a role in the next 911, too, with a plug-in hybrid model on the cards.
Underpinning the car is thought to be a new modular platform designed by Porsche for sports car models at the Volkswagen Group. Yes, it’s possible that Audi and even Lamborghini will end up using the platform.
As for the engines in the next 911, expect the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre flat 6 powerplant that debuted in the 2017 911 for the Carrera models. In the current generation, the engine delivers 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet torque in the Carrera and 420 hp and 368 lb-ft in the Carrera S.
We’re expecting to get our first glimpse at the new 911 early next year, possibly at March’s Geneva Motor Show, and shortly thereafter we expect it to hit the dealerships.