2011 Porsche 911 convertible review

The 2011 Porsche 911 is a rear engine two door luxury sports coupe available in various trims.



The parade of new or returning Porsche 911 models continues for 2011 with the introduction of the new GTS, Turbo S, GT2 RS, GT3 RS and limited-edition GT3 RS 4.0 and Speedster models. Also for 2011, the 911 Carrera, Targa and Turbo models offer Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface as standard.



The Carrera and Turbo models are available in coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) body styles, while the Targa model is essentially a hatchback coupe with a large sunroof and rear hatch made from glass. All-wheel drive and larger rear fenders are added to the Turbo models and any 911 with "4" in its name. The GT3, GT3 RS, GT3 RS 4.0 and GT2 RS are coupe only, while the 911 Speedster is convertible only.



The Turbo adds to the Carrera a turbocharged engine, 19-inch forged wheels, a more aggressive suspension tune, unique body styling, full power front seats, a full leather interior, auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Regular options include different wheels, a limited-slip differential, adaptive headlights, shift paddles for the PDK automated manual transmission (standard on Turbo), a sport exhaust, parking sensors, sport seats (in three different designs), heated seats, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, different steering wheel designs, a navigation system, a six-CD/DVD changer, voice controls and satellite radio.



The ultra-high-performance 911 variations delete the rear jump seats. The GT3 gets 19-inch center-lock wheels, a limited-slip differential, enhanced suspension and brakes, a unique body kit, full underbody paneling, manual-adjustable sport seats and faux-suede trim for the seats, steering wheel and shifter. The top-of-the-line GT2 RS essentially takes the GT3 RS and adds a more powerful version of the Turbo's engine -- albeit with rear-wheel drive. The GT3 RS 4.0 is similar, but gets a bigger engine.



All-wheel drive is included on the Turbo, Turbo S and any model with 4 in its name.



Finally, the GT2 RS gets a version of the Turbo S engine, but with a whopping 620 hp. The GT3 stopped in 99 feet.



The next-generation Porsche 911 convertible -– internally called the 998 -– has been making hot laps at the Nurburgring and we have the latest action shots of the 911 soft top. Like its fixed-roof counterpart, we expect the 2011 Porsche 911 convertible to show modest evolutionary styling updates, but receive more significant upgrades underneath.



Compared to the current model, we can tell that the front lights are standing more upright and the side mirrors have moved from the side window corner to the side of the door.