2019 Porsche 911 Cabriolet revealed

Porsche has unveiled the 992-generation 911 Cabriolet ahead of its impending Australian arrival.

Carrera S and Carrera 4S versions of the evergreen German sports car will be available locally from the second quarter of 2019, priced from $286,500 and $302,600 (plus on-road costs) respectively. This represents a circa $21,000 over the equivalent coupe models first unveiled six weeks ago.

While changes to its largely aluminium-infused body appear minimal, the 992-generation Cabriolet is in fact wider than before, with all models sharing the same rear track irrespective of whether they’re rear-driven or all-wheel driven.

Employing a folding fabric roof that can be opened and closed in “around 12 seconds” at speeds of up to 50km/h, the 911 Cabriolet is said to be more torsionally rigid and offers the car-maker’s PASM suspension for the first time.

Physically, Porsche says the changes bring a 10mm lower ride height and handling traits which endow the all-new model with a more neutral feel on the road and greater weight distribution.

Other niceties include an electronically-controlled wind deflector, and magnesium bows in the roof structure. The company’s increasingly ubiquitous LED light bar now adorns the 911 Cabriolet’s rear, flanked by a wider retractable spoiler.

Power comes courtesy of 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six engine, tied to manual or new eight-speed automatic transmissions. In Carrera S and Carrera 4S guises, power is rated at 331kW at 6500rpm, while torque peaks at 530Nm between 2300rpm and 5000rpm.

The rear-driver will clock 100km/h from rest in a claimed 3.9 Seconds, while the all-wheel drive version does so in 3.8 seconds.

Opting for Porsche’s Sports Chrono Package whittles the 0-100km/h time down by 0.2 seconds.

Top speed? Porsche says the Carrera S is good for 306km/h, while the slightly heavier Carrera 4S manages 304km/h.

The added firepower is aided by a revised electronics suite which now comprises a specific Wet mode.

Like the 992 coupe, some of the biggest changes have been reserved for the 911 convertible’s interior.

Two freeform digital displays flank a traditional analogue rev counter in the instrument cluster, while a 10.9-inch central display in the dashboard conveys key infotainment, climate and driving functions.

In terms of tech, the 911 Cabriolet gets as standard: reversing camera and park assist functions, along with availability of a slew of new active safety functions.

Stay tuned for carsales’ first drive of the 911 internationally in the coming weeks.