A Midsummer’s Drive in the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

Every New Jerseyan has a dreamy image tucked in the back of their minds, and it comes to life in summer.

It’s a vision we’ve all experienced, driving down the Parkway perhaps to our favorite warm-weather retreat. It sticks with you. You know the one, wind blowing in your hair, sunlight on your face—hopefully not too much traffic—the promise of a long summer on the horizon.

Of course, this riveting daydream is best lived behind the wheel of an elegant Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. With the car’s long history of success and fame, the brand delivers a top-down thrill suited for those sunny days ahead.

Continuing a tradition dating back to 1982 when Porsche unveiled the open-top 911, the new and improved components of their 911 Carrera Cabriolet will have customers and fans instantly captivated once again. The soft top, comprised of four magnesium segments, aluminum components, and an extendable wind deflector, operates automatically and swiftly as the top lowers in just 12 seconds at speeds of 31 mph. The mechanism also has an integrated glass rear window, which undoubtedly prevents ballooning of the roof at high speeds. But to hark back at the quick top-to-convertible transition, that 12-second speed of the soft top lowering and then retracting to its original Coupe-like curve encompasses the fluidity and effortlessness of not only the convertible process, but the overall ride. 

The engine is the most powerful component of any sports car—and the 911 is no exception. Its previous engine had always propelled it faster, but with its improved twin-turbocharged boxer six-cylinder, the 911 seems to be taking on a quicker approach with every ride. The revamped engine is set to produce a maximum power of 420 hp, launching from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. At top speed, the rear-wheel drive model can reach up to 190 mph. Yet, once you consider the Sport Chrono package, those times increase, albeit only by a fraction. With the package, the car accelerates from 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds. 

The vehicle’s uniquely engineered structure has been well-equipped to withstand any bends and fluctuations, solidifying a calm and pleasurable ride in the best and worst  conditions. The new engine’s mounting position makes the 911 even more rigid than its predecessor. For the first time, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport chassis is available for the 911. The springs are harder and shorter, the front and rear anti-roll-bars are more firm, and the chassis overall has been lowered by 10 millimeters. These adjustments give the 911 a more neutral feel on the road, with better weight distribution. 

Safety is paramount, and in a sports car, engineers are always finding new methods to promote a safer driving experience. Porsche has developed a system called Wet Mode, which detects water on the road, sending a warning to the driver via the enhanced control systems (for those not-so-sunny days). To make matters simpler, you have the capability to set the car up to focus solely on safety just by pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel. Other components to ensure safety include a camera-based warning and brake assist system, as well as  park assist to aid in those tight parallel parking spots. The 911 also includes a nifty attribute called Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera to help clear up those dark, hazy nights, in addition to adaptive cruise control with automatic distance control, stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection to let you enjoy the views on a beautiful long drive.

*The Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is available in Parsippany, NJ at Paul Miller Porsche. For more information, head to their website and find out if you are ready to take on the new, premiere experience of the newly modeled 911 www.paulmillerporsche.com.