Porsche 911 Type 991 Carrera S Cabriolet - 2013

The 991-generation Porsche 911 marked a decisive leap for the brand, and the 991.1 Carrera S Cabriolet (2012–2015) distilled that progress into an open‑top package. Announced in late 2011 and on sale from 2012, the Cabriolet arrived with a longer 2450 mm wheelbase, a new aluminium‑steel hybrid body, and a remarkable magnesium‑framed soft top whose rigid panels gave it a coupé‑like profile when raised. Structural rigidity and refinement were transformed versus the 997, yet the car remained every inch a classic rear‑engined 911.

Under the decklid sat a naturally aspirated 3.8‑litre flat‑six delivering 400 hp, singing cleanly to 7400 rpm. Buyers chose between a world‑first 7‑speed manual and the PDK dual‑clutch, the latter blisteringly quick and, with the optional Sport Chrono Package, capable of launch‑control fireworks. The 991 introduced electro‑mechanical steering—praised for accuracy but noted by some purists for slightly filtered feedback—yet period tests consistently lauded the S Cabriolet’s balance, body control and real‑world pace. Adaptive PASM dampers were standard on the S, with PDCC active roll control, PTV/PTV Plus torque vectoring, PCCB ceramic brakes and a Sport Exhaust on the options list. A factory Powerkit (X51) even lifted output to 430 hp, underlining its breadth of talent.

Competition was fierce: Audi’s R8 Spyder brought mid‑engined theatre, Mercedes’ SL offered grand‑touring polish, and from 2013 Jaguar’s F‑Type added fresh British charm. The Porsche’s counterpunch was authenticity and usability—rear seats for kids or luggage, decent frunk space, and a hood that opened in roughly 13 seconds at up to urban speeds. It was the convertible you could daily, then chase lap times at the weekend.

Critics at Evo, Car and Driver and Top Gear praised the S Cabriolet’s towering capability and the PDK’s brilliance, while acknowledging the new steering’s reduced tactile fizz. Fun fact: the 991 was the first 911 to wear 20‑inch wheels on the Carrera S, and introduced Porsche’s neat Sound Symposer to enrich the flat‑six voice inside the cabin. The 991‑series 911—Cabriolet included—also became a staple of driving video games from Forza to Need for Speed, reinforcing its pop‑culture footprint.

As the final naturally aspirated Carrera S before the 2015/16 turbocharged facelift, the 991.1 Cabriolet has since earned a special place with enthusiasts. It captured a golden blend of mechanical character, everyday civility and open‑air drama—proof that Porsche could evolve the 911 without diluting its essence.