The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (991 II) represents the pinnacle of open-top performance within the 991.2 generation of Porsche’s iconic sports car. Produced from 2015 to 2018, this variant combined the exhilarating performance of the Turbo S engine with the added enjoyment of open-air driving. It sat at the very top of the 911 Cabriolet range, offering the most power and advanced technology available. The 991.2 generation brought with it a significant engine update, improved aerodynamics, and a revised Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, solidifying the 911’s position as a world-class sports car.
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 Cabriolet (991 II) |
| Type (Engine) | Turbo S 3.8 (580 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.1 l/100 km (19.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.3 l/100 km (25.3 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 216 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 2.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 330 km/h (205.05 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 580 Hp @ 6750 rpm |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 2250-4000 rpm (553.17 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MDA.CA |
| Engine displacement | 3800 cm3 (231.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 102 mm (4.02 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.5 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1670 kg (3681.72 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2045 kg (4508.45 lbs.) |
| Max load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 115 l (4.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 160 l (5.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Length | 4507 mm (177.44 in.) |
| Width | 1880 mm (74.02 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1978 mm (77.87 in.) |
| Height | 1294 mm (50.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/35 ZR 20; 305/30 ZR 20 |
| Wheel rims size | 9J x 20; 11.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, designated as the MDA.CA. This engine represents a significant evolution of the previous 991 Turbo powerplant, featuring redesigned turbochargers for increased efficiency and responsiveness. The direct fuel injection system, combined with the twin-turbo setup, delivers a potent 580 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and a substantial 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 2,250 rpm all the way to 4,000 rpm. The engine’s flat-six configuration (also known as a boxer engine) contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. The engine oil capacity is 7.5 liters, and Porsche specifies a particular oil formulation for optimal performance and longevity.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels via Porsche’s seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual-clutch automatic transmission. The PDK offers incredibly fast and smooth gear changes, contributing to the car’s blistering acceleration. The all-wheel-drive system is intelligently managed, distributing power between the front and rear axles to maximize traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and surprisingly refined. The combination of the powerful engine, quick-shifting PDK transmission, and all-wheel-drive system results in breathtaking acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The car feels incredibly planted and stable, even at high speeds, thanks to its sophisticated suspension and aerodynamic features. While the PDK transmission offers automatic shifting, drivers can also take control using the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, allowing for precise gear selection. Compared to the standard 911 Carrera Cabriolet, the Turbo S offers a significantly more potent and engaging driving experience. The increased power and torque, along with the advanced drivetrain, make it a true performance machine.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As the top-of-the-line Cabriolet, the 911 Turbo S came standard with a comprehensive list of features. Interior appointments included a leather interior, sport seats with adjustable bolstering, and a high-end audio system. Standard exterior features included a deployable rear spoiler, unique Turbo S wheels, and upgraded brakes. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their cars to their exact specifications. These options included carbon fiber trim, extended leather upholstery, and a variety of driver assistance systems.
Chassis & Braking
The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet features a sophisticated chassis designed to handle the car’s immense power. The suspension utilizes independent McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard, allowing drivers to adjust the suspension damping to suit their preferences and driving conditions. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at all four corners, providing exceptional stopping power. Larger brake rotors and upgraded calipers were standard on the Turbo S compared to other 911 models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet was widely praised by automotive critics for its exceptional performance, handling, and refinement. It was consistently ranked among the fastest and most capable sports cars on the market. Compared to other high-performance convertibles, the 911 Turbo S offered a unique combination of everyday usability and track-worthy performance. While its fuel economy wasn’t a primary concern for buyers in this segment, the 9.3 l/100 km combined fuel consumption was respectable for a car of its capabilities. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs were relatively high due to the car’s complex engineering and premium components.
Legacy
The 991.2 generation 911 Turbo S Cabriolet remains a highly sought-after vehicle in the used car market. Its combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity continues to appeal to discerning enthusiasts. The MDA.CA engine, while complex, has proven to be relatively reliable when properly maintained. These cars represent a sweet spot in the 911 lineage, offering a significant step up in performance over earlier models without the extreme price tag of the newer 992 generation. The 991.2 Turbo S Cabriolet is considered a modern classic, and well-maintained examples are likely to hold their value for years to come.
