Porsche 911 Carrera S and Cabrio 2012 review

This is only the third totally new 911 platform since the model started decades ago. The S gets a higher level of standard kit that includes six pot brakes and other goodies.

We got to drive the manual Carrera Cabrio and the S with PDK and frankly, prefer the PDK because it's a more engaging drive and has much quicker gear changes. You can also hold onto the wheel with both hands all the time - a distinct benefit at 200kmh plus on the racetrack. Purists will probably like the manual.

It's a rear drive naturally aspirated sports car with the latest technology and thinking Porsche has to offer. That includes a downsized 3.4-litre flat six in the Carrera (with more power and torque rated at 257kW/390Nm) and a power enhanced 3.8-litre flat six in the S model rated at 294kW/440Nm. Redline in both engines is up by 300rpm to 7800.

The direct injection engines are a development of the previous 997 model with revised gas flow, reduced friction, ignition upgrade, integrated stop/start, quicker throttle action and earlier torque peak. And like the coupe, there's a choice of seven-speed manual (the first of its kind) and a seven-speed dual clutch PDK manumatic.

DESIGN

As you'd expect, the new 911's dynamics are finely honed making it a better thing to drive in all environments - including at the limit on a race track. The body is a hybrid of aluminium and steel and helps make the new model some 45-60kg lighter than the previous 911 Cabrio.

It sits 5mm lower has, a 100mm longer wheelbase, wider track, is stiffer and more aerodynamically efficient. The soft top can be deployed at speeds up to 50kmh and it takes around 13 seconds.

DRIVE

Howling down the long, sloping straight at Sydney Motorsport Park (formerly Eastern Creek) sees 220 - 230kmh click over on the Porsche Carrera Cabriolet speedo. It's seriously fast when you have to peel off left into the big sweeper at the end.

But the straight also served to demonstrate just how far soft top "cabriolets" have come in terms of roof integrity. With the roof up, you simply can't tell this is a soft top sports car, even at extremely high speed. There's no bulging, flapping or whooshing as you might expect from lesser brands.

No, the 911 Cabrio is tight as a drum at any speed and that applies to water too. It has a clever magnesium frame with three support panels guaranteeing a smooth, tight roofline that mimics the lines of the Carrera coupe almost exactly.

Then of course, you can take down the roof and enjoy the climate "au naturale" bat the same speeds but with a degree of buffeting. This is the 991 version of the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and it arrives not long after the tin top coupe models in the same Carrera and Carrera S variants -- for the time being.

The PDK is faster in both models by a couple of tenths over a 0-100kmh sprint and uses only slightly more fuel. That number is an incredible 9.2-litres combined in the Carrera Cabriolet -- in a vehicle with near supercar performance. It will knock off a 0-100kmh sprint in 4.8 seconds with the PDK. The S with PDK does it in 4.5, quicker with the Sports Chrono pack that includes launch control.

VERDICT

As expected, the Cabrio is a superb driver's vehicle, engaging, flattering and with that superb flat six howl _ all the better with the roof down.  We love the evolved styling, the luxury interior, the exhaust pop on gear changes -- pretty much everything about this car.