New Model Announcement

Porsche GB have just put out a press release for the 996 Turbo Cab (I have one on order already!), as follows: New Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet The fastest convertible 911 ever produced For the first time in 14 years the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet is back on the market with even more power and outstanding performance. Acceleration from 0 - 62 mph is achieved in a mere 4.3 seconds, sprinting on to 100mph in just 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph, making it the quickest open-top 911 ever to be produced. Maximum output of the 3.6 litre flat-six power unit is boosted by two exhaust gas turbochargers, producing 420bhp (309kW) at 6000rpm. Maximum torque is equally impressive, delivering a constant 413 lb-ft (560Nm) all the way from 2700 - 4600 rpm. The high-performance power unit also incorporates VarioCam Plus, combining Porsche's VarioCam intake-side camshaft adjustment with an intake-side valve lift changeover system. The system is made up of four valves per cylinder, infinitely controlled camshaft adjusters and switching valve tappets. The result is optimum power and torque management and the reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Like the Coupé the 911 Turbo Cabriolet comes with a four-wheel drive system as standard, complete with viscous multi-plate coupling, which conveys 5 per cent of the engine's power to the front wheels in normal road conditions and up to 40 per cent on wet or slippery surfaces. Active safety is further enhanced with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) which also comes as standard. PSM works to stabilise the car both longitudinally and laterally, intervening with the engine management and brake system when the car exceeds its maximum limits. The outstanding braking system matches the 911 Turbo Coupé, having four-piston fixed-calliper brakes, internally ventilated, cross-drilled brake discs measuring 330 mm in diameter front and rear. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are available as an option. The bodyshell of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is based on the structure of the Coupé with special reinforcements and strengthening body elements to replace the stabilising effect of a fixed roof. The Cabriolet comes with reinforced side-sills featuring body panels and elements double in thickness, additional junction plates and shaft reinforcements behind the B-pillar. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet is the first Porsche sports car to use ultra-strong DP600 steel at this point in the interest of maximum strength and stiffness, making it one of the stiffest open-air structures within the 911 series.

Congratulations on your new toy, when does it arrive ?? One things for sure I hope you don' t have a toupe !!!!!!!

no delivery date yet - announcement says available in UK ' Autumn 2003' but I suspect it will be spring 2004 at the earliers before I need the hair glue...