Porsche 911 Type 991 Carrera Cabriolet - 2014

The 991.1-generation Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (2013–2015) arrived as the all-weather, open‑top expression of the 911 formula. Unveiled alongside its coupé sibling after the 991’s debut, the C4 Cab paired a naturally aspirated flat-six and the latest Porsche Traction Management all‑wheel drive with the 991’s stiffer, lighter aluminium–steel body.

Compared with the previous 997, the 991 stretched its wheelbase to 2,450 mm, adopted quicker-shifting PDK and a novel 7‑speed manual, introduced electromechanical steering, and moved to a more aluminium-intensive structure. The Cabriolet’s clever fabric roof used magnesium shells to mimic the coupé’s roofline and reduce wind noise; it could fold in roughly 13 seconds at urban speeds. The Carrera 4 added 44 mm of rear body width and the signature full-width red light strip – a styling cue Porsche would popularise across the range in years to come.

Under the decklid sat the 3.4‑litre, direct‑injection flat‑six with 350 hp and 390 Nm, revving freely past 7,500 rpm. Buyers could choose a 7‑speed manual or the dual‑clutch PDK. Porsche’s optional Sport Chrono sharpened responses and, with PDK’s launch control, trimmed the 0–100 km/h dash to the high‑4‑second bracket. More than numbers, the C4 Cab’s party trick was traction: PTM apportioned torque seamlessly to the front axle, giving the car remarkable cross‑season confidence without muting its rear‑engined character. Options such as PASM adaptive damping, PTV/PTV Plus torque vectoring and PCCB ceramics broadened its bandwidth from supple tourer to track-capable.

In period, critics praised the 991’s extraordinary breadth of ability, cabin quality and the PDK’s brilliance, while noting that the new electric steering sacrificed a touch of the 997’s old-school chatter. Against rivals like the Audi R8 V8 Spyder, Mercedes-Benz SL, BMW M6 Convertible and later the Jaguar F‑Type, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet stood apart with 2+2 practicality, compact exterior size, and that unmistakable flat‑six timbre.

Culturally, the C4’s illuminated light bar became an instant identifier in Porsche advertising and an enduring brand signature. The 991.1 era also marked the last naturally aspirated Carrera before the turbocharged 991.2, making the 2013–2015 C4 Cab something of a connoisseur’s choice: modern refinement and tech with classic NA character. You’ll spot them in countless road tests and comparison features from the time, often lauded as the consummate “use-every-day” sports car – roof down in the Alps or carving a wet B‑road with calm, unflustered pace.