Slipstream - October 2003

Porsche Announces 911 Turbo Cabriolet
by Porsche Cars North America
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, July 22, 2003 --- Porsche has
announced it will produce the first 911 Turbo Cabriolet since
1989. Arriving at Porsche dealerships in the fall of this year, the
2004 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet is based on the existing
Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe, incorporating the Coupe's engine,
body structure, four-wheel drive system, chassis, and suspension
and brake systems
Power for the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet, transferred through
either the manual six-speed or optional five-speed Tiptronic
automatic transmission, comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.6-
liter six-cylinder engine producing 415 (SAE) horsepower. It
propels the car from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds
and to a top track speed of 189 mph (305 km/h).
Taking styling features from the 911 Turbo Coupe, the
Cabriolet incorporates the Coupe's three large front air intake
cooling scoops, intercooler air intakes in the rear side panels, and
a rear spoiler that deploys at 75 mph (120 km/h) and retracts
at 55 mph (80 km/h). As found on all current Porsche 911
Cabriolets, the Turbo Cabriolet is equipped with a power
convertible top that raises or lowers in just 20 seconds. To
maintain body stiffness, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet's structure is
enhanced with reinforced side-sills featuring body panels and
elements doubled in thickness, additional junction plates, and
shaft reinforcements behind the B pillar.
Like the Turbo Coupe and all Porsche Carrera® 4 models, the
Turbo Cabriolet's four-wheel drive system delivers from five to 40
percent of the engine power to the front wheels depending on
driving conditions. The new Turbo Cabriolet is also fitted with
the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system as standard
equipment.
To ensure supreme stopping power at all times without the
slightest fading, the new Turbo Cabriolet comes with four-piston
fixed-caliper brakes plus inner-vented, cross-drilled brake discs
front and rear measuring 13.0 in. (330 millimeters) in diameter.
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are available as an
option, setting new standards in terms of brake response, fadefree
performance, low weight and a long service life. Eighteeninch
light alloy wheels with tires measuring 225/40 on the front
axle and 295/30 on the rear axle transfer the braking power to
the road.
The 911 Turbo Cabriolet comes with an extensive range of
standard equipment. This includes metallic paint, full leather
interior, a hardtop and wind deflector, Bose audio system and
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system comprising
a double tuner, CD player, navigation system and trip computer.
It will be available beginning in October of this year starting at a
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $128,200 U.S. and
$187,800 Canadian.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta,
Ga., and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the
exclusive importers of Porsche vehicles for the United States and
Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c.F.
Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 200 people who
provide Porsche vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 204
U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners
with best-in-class service.
Photo provided by PCNA
25