Porsche 911 Type 997.2 Carrera 4 Cabriolet - 2008

When Porsche facelifted the 997 in late 2008, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet became the all‑weather, open‑top expression of the classic 911 recipe. The headline changes were under the skin: brand‑new direct‑injection flat‑six engines (the MA1 family) replaced the old M97s, bringing more power, better economy and—crucially for long‑term confidence—eliminating the infamous intermediate shaft bearing. Alongside that came Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the 7‑speed dual‑clutch gearbox that finally retired Tiptronic and drew a straight line from Porsche’s racing PDK in the 956/962 to the road. In the Carrera 4, Porsche also migrated to Porsche Traction Management, an electronically controlled multi‑plate clutch that could vary front/rear torque near‑instantly, sharpening traction without diluting feel.

The 3.6‑litre flat‑six delivered a muscular 345 PS and 390 Nm, feeding all four wheels under those broader “C4 hips” (44 mm wider than a Carrera 2) with the signature red reflector strip across the tail—a visual callback to the air‑cooled 993. The Cabriolet’s fabric roof (with a magnesium frame and glass rear window) folded neatly at the touch of a button, turning a precise sports car into a boulevard cruiser in seconds. Steering remained gloriously hydraulic and talkative; many enthusiasts later celebrated this 997.2 as the last compact, old‑school‑feeling 911 blended with modern reliability and tech.

Period testers from Evo, Autocar and Car and Driver praised the 997.2’s steering clarity, everyday usability and the new engine’s hunger for revs. Early PDK cars drew criticism for the steering‑wheel “push/pull” buttons; Porsche responded swiftly with an optional paddle wheel from 2010, transforming manual control. On Top Gear and elsewhere, the 997’s breadth of ability—track day credible, yet civil on a commute—became a recurring theme. Against rivals like the Audi R8 V8 Spyder, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, BMW M3 Convertible and Mercedes‑AMG SL, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet’s trump card was its all‑weather poise without sacrificing 911 character.

Fun bits? The DFI engines cut CO2 and improved economy by roughly 10–15% over 997.1, even as performance rose. The wide‑body stance wasn’t for show: Porsche fitted beefier rear rubber (up to 295‑section) to make the most of PTM’s smarts. Options were a rabbit hole—PASM, Sport Chrono with Launch Control (PDK), Porsche Sports Exhaust, 19‑inch wheels and PCCB ceramics among them—letting buyers spec everything from Alpine pass tourer to discreet track toy. Built until 2012 before the 991 arrived with electric steering and larger dimensions, the 997.2 Carrera 4 Cabriolet has since earned a sweet‑spot reputation: modern enough to depend on, classic enough to thrill.