20 Jun 07
The must-have option is the Sport Chrono pack, which includes nonsense like a lap timer but also an overboost function, which gives a short burst of extra turbo pressure, up by 0.2 bar, increasing the maximum torque to 501lb-ft. No, you don't need it in any rational sense. But if you're in the market for an indulgent cabrio that goes whoosh, one that goes whoooosh is by definition better. The optional carbon ceramic brakes are less enticing. The big vented discs fitted as standard, with six callipers at the front and four at the rear, are perfectly well up to the job on the road.
Porsche has gone to some trouble to reduce the running costs. Crash repairs should be less expensive because of some smart little changes to the extremities, and that in turn should rein the insurance costs in. The fuel consumption is 21.9mpg (20.6 for the Tiptronic) and the carbon dioxide emissions are 309g/km CO2 - both far better than the Gallardo. It will hold on to its value well, as Porsches generally do, and it feels like it will never fall apart.
If you liked the last 911 Turbo Cabrio, you'll probably like this even more. There's more competition this time around, though, not least from the £137,100 Gallardo, the far cheaper Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Ferrari's 430. If money's really no object the 207mph Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster is also available from September, at around £350,000.
But don't overlook Porsche's own Carrera, Carrera S and Carrera 4S Cabriolets, or indeed the Boxster and Boxster S. They're not quite so fast and not quite as grippy, but they're also not as expensive or as heavy, and can be every bit as much fun to drive.
Feature: This summer's new convertibles
