First look: 911 C4S goes cabrio

PORSCHE has announced its latest derivative of the 911 range, the Carrera 4S Cabriolet.

The European market launch is scheduled for October, and Australia should see it about the same time. Pricing has been set at $251,600 while, as with all Tiptronic S-equipped 911 models, the auto version will cost an extra $8000.

The C4S Cabrio shares the tough looks of the 911 Turbo model, but "makes do" with the 235kW 3.6-litre normally aspirated boxer engine, mated to four-wheel drive and the Porsche Stability Management System (PSM).

Weighing in 170kg heavier than the Coupe, the Cabrio still reaches the same 280km/h top speed in manual transmission form and accelerates to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, two-tenths slower than the Coupe.

The soft-top of the Carrera 4S Cabriolet can be opened and closed at the touch of a button while driving at speeds of up to 50km/h. It takes 20 seconds or so for the roof to unlock and fold back beneath a protective cover.

The brake system of the C4S Cabriolet is adopted from the 911 Turbo and comprises perforated and internally ventilated brake discs with a diameter of 330 millimetres. They are housed inside 18-inch light alloy wheels with front tyres measuring 225/40 and 295/30 at the rear.

The car can also be fitted with the revolutionary ceramic brake system, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).

Standard equipment includes metallic paint, full leather interior, hard-top and wind deflector. Styling cues include the characteristic light strip between the rear lights - one of the identifying features of the C4S models and a rear wing which is 60mm wider than that of the 911 Carrera.