Porsche 911 Turbo 991 Cabriolet Spied Testing with Roof in Action
Footage reveals the Porsche 991-generation 911 Turbo Cabriolet testing its retractable roof, confirming all-wheel drive and PDK-only setup ahead of its market debut.
Porsche has been caught testing the 991-generation 911 Turbo Cabriolet, with new video footage showing the convertible’s roof mechanism in operation for the first time. The prototype, filmed during development, confirms several details about the upcoming drop-top flagship.
PDK and all-wheel drive confirmed for Cabriolet
The video evidence confirms that the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet will not offer a manual gearbox, instead using Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. As with the coupe, the convertible will be available only with all-wheel drive, with no rear-wheel-drive variant planned. This mirrors Porsche’s approach with recent Turbo-badged models, focusing on traction and outright performance rather than driver involvement through a manual transmission.
Under the engine cover sits the familiar twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six, expected to deliver performance figures in line with the coupe. The Cabriolet’s additional weight, estimated at around 50kg over the fixed-roof Turbo, should result in a 0-60mph time of 3.3 to 3.4 seconds when using Sport Plus mode. That’s only a fraction slower than the coupe, reflecting the efficiency of the PDK system and all-wheel drive launch control.
The Cabriolet’s kerb weight is projected at 1645kg, up from the coupe’s figure due to the folding roof mechanism and additional chassis strengthening. This is typical for open-top versions of the 911, and the performance penalty remains small given the Turbo’s power output and drivetrain technology.
Pricing and rivals
Porsche is expected to price the 911 Turbo Cabriolet from at least €175,000 in Europe, reflecting the usual premium over the coupe. For context, the standard 911 Cabriolet carries a €10,000 premium over its hardtop sibling. The Turbo Cabrio’s price undercuts rivals such as the McLaren 12C Spider and Ferrari 458 Spider, which were listed at €230,000 and €235,000 respectively at launch.
| Model | Engine | Drivetrain | 0-60mph (claimed) | Base Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet (991) | 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six | AWD | 3.3–3.4s | 175,000 |
| McLaren 12C Spider | 3.8L twin-turbo V8 | RWD | 3.1s | 230,000 |
| Ferrari 458 Spider | 4.5L naturally aspirated V8 | RWD | 3.4s | 235,000 |
Roof mechanism and future models
The video shows the Cabriolet’s electrically operated fabric roof folding away, a key feature for buyers considering open-air performance. Porsche’s system is designed for quick operation and minimal impact on the car’s silhouette, traits that have helped the 911 Cabriolet maintain its popularity. The footage also hints at the company’s ongoing development of the Turbo S Cabriolet and the return of the Targa, which is expected to feature an electrically retractable solid roof panel from 2014.
