The Porsche 911 Cabriolet Carrera S 3.0 (480 Hp) PDK, introduced for the 2025 model year as part of the 992 generation’s facelift, represents a continuation of Porsche’s iconic sports car lineage with an open-top experience. Building upon the already successful 992 platform, this variant focuses on delivering a blend of exhilarating performance and everyday usability. Production commenced in January 2025, and it slots into the 911 Cabriolet range as a high-performance offering, positioned above the base Carrera Cabriolet but below the more track-focused Turbo and GT models. The facelift brought subtle but significant updates to the 992, including revised styling, enhanced technology, and refinements to the powertrain.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 Cabriolet (992, facelift 2024) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera S 3.0 (480 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | January, 2025 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 10.5-10.8 l/100 km |
| Combined fuel consumption (US mpg) | 22.4 – 21.8 |
| Combined fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 26.9 – 26.2 |
| Combined fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.5 – 9.3 |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 238-244 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 308 km/h (191.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6e |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.4 kg/Hp, 295.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm, 326.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 480 Hp |
| Power per litre | 161 Hp/l |
| Torque | 530 Nm (390.91 lb.-ft.) |
| Maximum engine speed | 7500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2981 cm3 (181.91 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 91 mm (3.58 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate filter |
| Kerb Weight | 1625-1637 kg (3582.51 – 3608.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2040 kg (4497.43 lbs.) |
| Max load | 403-415 kg (888.46 – 914.92 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 163 l (5.76 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4542 mm (178.82 in.) |
| Width | 1852 mm (72.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2033 mm (80.04 in.) |
| Height | 1303 mm (51.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 124 mm (4.88 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 10.2° |
| Departure angle | 14.1° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 12.8° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 408 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 380 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 245/35 ZR20 Rear wheel tires: 305/30 ZR21 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5J x 20 Rear wheel rims: 11.5J x 21 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet PDK lies a 2.981-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, designated as the 9A2 engine family. This engine benefits from updated turbochargers and improved cooling, contributing to the increased power output of 480 horsepower and 530 Nm (390.91 lb.-ft.) of torque. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a sophisticated valvetrain (DOHC) to optimize combustion efficiency and responsiveness. The ‘PDK’ designation refers to Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission, an 8-speed automatic that provides incredibly fast and smooth gear changes. This transmission is crucial to the car’s performance, offering both automatic and manual shifting modes via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the rear of the vehicle, a defining characteristic of the 911.
Driving Characteristics
The 911 Carrera S Cabriolet PDK delivers a driving experience that is both engaging and refined. The twin-turbocharged engine provides strong acceleration throughout the rev range, with minimal turbo lag. The PDK transmission contributes to rapid acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. While the automatic transmission prioritizes convenience, the manual shifting mode allows drivers to take full control. Compared to the base Carrera, the ‘S’ model offers a noticeably more potent power delivery. The Cabriolet configuration adds a slight weight penalty compared to the Coupe, but the impact on handling is minimized by Porsche’s sophisticated chassis tuning. The steering is precise and communicative, providing excellent feedback to the driver.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera S Cabriolet comes standard with a comprehensive array of features, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which electronically adjusts the dampers for optimal ride comfort and handling. Interior appointments include leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a modern infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Optional extras are extensive, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle with features such as adaptive cruise control, a premium sound system, and various interior trim options. The Cabriolet also features a fully automatic fabric roof that can be raised or lowered in approximately 12 seconds, even while driving at moderate speeds.
Chassis & Braking
The 911 Carrera S Cabriolet utilizes a sophisticated chassis design featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension. Both ends are equipped with transverse stabilizers to reduce body roll during cornering. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on all four wheels, with larger discs (408mm front, 380mm rear) on the ‘S’ model for enhanced stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing increased stability during emergency braking. The car’s electronic stability control system further enhances safety and control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 911 Carrera S Cabriolet PDK has been widely praised by automotive critics for its exceptional performance, handling, and overall refinement. It consistently receives high marks for its powerful engine, responsive transmission, and engaging driving experience. Compared to the base Carrera Cabriolet, the ‘S’ model offers a significant performance upgrade, justifying its higher price tag. Fuel economy is respectable for a high-performance sports car, with combined fuel consumption ranging from 10.5-10.8 l/100 km. Reliability is generally considered to be excellent, although maintenance costs can be relatively high due to the car’s complex engineering.
Legacy
The 992-generation 911, including the Carrera S Cabriolet PDK, is expected to be a highly sought-after model in the used car market. Porsche’s reputation for building durable and well-engineered vehicles suggests that these cars will hold their value well over time. The combination of performance, luxury, and open-top driving enjoyment makes the Carrera S Cabriolet a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a truly special sports car. The 9A2 engine family, with its twin-turbocharged design, represents a significant advancement in Porsche’s powertrain technology and is likely to become a benchmark for future sports car engines.
