DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Porsche Drops The 911's Top And Lets The Wind Run Through Your Hair

Not too long ago, Porsche graced us with an all-new 911. The 991 is another generation of 911 taking the vehicle to the next level. Over 30 years old now, the 911 continues to improve with each generation.

That's a helluva long time for research and development. ;)

Fun fact: Even though the 991 has grown from the last gen 911, it weighs more than 130 pounds less than the outgoing product.

Regardless of what folks say though, there are very few vehicles that can offer the sensibility and fun-to-drive nature the 911 has. Why fix something that isn't really broken?

That said, Porsche unveiled the predictably similar looking 991 cabriolet. Not veering from the tracks of the coupe variant, there's a whole lot to appreciate about this auto.

We recommend you take a look at the pictures below and check out the Porsche Exclusive Carrera S Cabriolet in white and blue.

What can I say? I am a sucker for white convertibles with a blue interior and blue top!


Porsche's press release follows:

Springtime arrives a little early today at the North American International Auto Show with the introduction of the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S Cabriolet.

Development of the new, seventh-generation 911 Carrera and Carrera S Coupes began with a new aluminum-steel body; the Cabriolets continue the evolution with the addition of an all-new, unique top that retains the characteristic 911 coupe roof line. The intelligent lightweight design makes use of magnesium for weight reduction, improved performance and lower fuel consumption. As with the new 911 coupe, Porsche has managed to make the new Cabriolet models up to 132 pounds lighter than their predecessors.

By completely redesigning the convertible top for the new 911 Carrera models, Porsche engineers created a flexible roof comprised of a heated glass rear window with three integrated top elements. Comprised of magnesium bows covered in fabric, they make the convertible top very stable and particularly light.

A water channel on the convertible top helps keep rainwater from dropping into the entry when opening the doors. Actuated by a button on the center console or by the vehicle key the top and opens or closes in approximately 13 seconds, at speeds over 30 mph.

“The USA is and remains an important market for Porsche with good growth prospects,” said Bernhard Maier, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing. “Detroit was deliberately chosen for the world premiere of the new 911 Cabrio because the USA is far and away our largest 911 Cabrio market.” The Coupe variant of the sports car classic will be available in the USA starting in February 2012 with the Cabriolet following a few months later, providing a fresh impetus.

The two new Cabriolets feature the same engine as its Carrera Coupe counterpart. The rear of the 911 Carrera Cabrio houses a 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engine generating 350 horsepower (hp) (257 kW) driving the rear wheels through a seven-gear manual transmission. The open-top Carrera S comes with a 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine developing 400 hp (294 kW) and also has a standard seven-gear manual transmission. The Cabriolets have the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option, helping to deliver even lower fuel consumption and shorter acceleration times.

The new, 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet will sprint to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds with the optional PDK, accelerating on to its top-track-speed of 176 mph. The 911 Carrera S Cabriolet with PDK will perform the same deeds in as little as 4.1 seconds and reaches a top-track-speed of 185 mph.

With a 3.9-inch longer wheelbase over the outgoing model, a wider front track and the new electro-mechanical power steering, the new Cabriolets offer even sportier driving characteristics, greater precision and agility. Depending on model, there are other standard and optional active control systems available to further enhance the driving dynamics.

The 911 Carrera Cabriolets will be available later in the spring of 2012. The new 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet will have a base MSRP of $93,700, while the 2012 911 Carrera S Cabriolet base MSRP will be $103,800 (excluding destination).