Test drive Porsche 911 Cabriolet: open season

Driving a new revision of a convertible based on the iconic sportsman

Like any new 911, this all-too-green 992 S raises the same key question – can it get any better? The 911 itself, driving pleasure itself and technological advances that have recently exhausted their potential for quality jumps.

Over time, all of them gradually, micrometer by micrometer, came to the phrase "Well, there is nowhere better", after which (what a terrible scenario!) Development should be stopped due to perfection.

The new model is slightly larger and mostly wider, primarily due to the curvaceous rear fenders that cover the wheels, which for the first time in the history of the 911, like the closed version of the coupe, are one inch larger than at the front.

Hardliner supporters on internet forums are still arguing about the design of the rear end - doubts and dissatisfaction are concentrated mainly on the full-length LED headlight strip and the automatically exiting after 90 km / h spoiler across the entire body width.

The fact is that earlier it seemed that elegance was achieved through more subtle elements, but, as always, the Porsche engineers took something into account when making the changes.

In the case of the new convertible, the spoiler control system takes into account whether the roof is closed or open and places it at a different angle, increasing the usable area by 45% and taking full advantage of the opportunities for improved aerodynamic compression and rear axle stability.

Just a job well done

Without this detail, evening driving on your favorite mountain road would hardly have been more boring or dangerous. Why then this trouble? Well, simply because in Zuffenhausen they can. And they can afford it. And they want it. Do your job in the best possible way.

Ideally, the driver of the car will quite spontaneously begin to share this view of things. The drive for perfectionism influences the sensory level and is activated by the desire to achieve better results in terms of longitudinal and lateral dynamics of behavior on the road.

By further increasing the responsiveness of the adaptive damping performance, the new extraordinarily stable body structure of the 911 Cabriolet delivers a level of comfort when driving on poorly maintained roads, more like a luxury limousine than a 300 km / h racer.

This is on the one hand. On the other hand, improved capabilities do not relieve the driver of his duties in the least, but even more deeply involve him in what is happening. The steering accurately conveys the condition of the road.

And even in "Comfort" mode, there is no hesitation and no feeling of delayed reaction and action - especially in dynamic driving conditions. Well, it should be noted that the test car is equipped with active rear wheel steering, which gives it an even more active character.

But we have to assume that even without this system, the new convertible (as well as the coupe version) will enter or exit any corners at speeds that might be too unacceptable for most of your companions.

The turbocharger is fine

Do you need 450 horsepower to fully enjoy the outdoors? Of course not ... But they do not interfere. Because these horses, which roar and groan like aliens when the load changes, and at high revs continue to sound the same as before, despite the particulate filters, do not pull violently and uncontrollably like stallions.

Does it ever occur to you to hit 7500 rpm and shift into the next gear with one of the (rather cheap looking) plastic paddles? With great pleasure.

Undoubtedly, naturally aspirated engines have been something of an exception in the past, but this Biturbo is not inferior to them - it's just different. You travel with it, you feel satisfaction for your ears and with good-natured irony you recall the assertions that this generation of 911 will be so perfect that it will leave no room for emotions behind the wheel.

If you are in danger of sunburn, cold or moisture, the soft top can close within 12 seconds - at rest or when driving at speeds up to 50 km/h. doesn't suffer from the slightly thinner upholstery of the new seats, whose backs fold down by pulling out the leather "ears" (great idea) instead of pushing the usual levers.

In addition, this convertible can be used safely all year round - not least thanks to the excellent equipment (not too intrusive) of modern assistance and communication systems.

The premium Porsche wants for the hardtop version is € 14, which seems more than acceptable given the extra features, as the small rear window significantly limits the driver's view, a rearview camera and parking sensors are part of the standard equipment.

The 992 will appear in the summer without the S index, but with sufficient power, and in parallel with it, modifications with manual transmissions will begin to be offered. And starting this year, a real cannonade of striking premieres will be available in the form of Turbo, GT3 and Targa.

Apparently, Porsche knows exactly what the brand's fans want. In fact, it continues to exist precisely because of this ...