Porsche unveils convertible version of new 911

[January 10, 2012]  DETROIT (AP) -- The Porsche 911 is putting the top down.

Porsche AG revealed the convertible versions of the new 2012 911 Carrera coupe on Monday at the North American International Auto Show.

The 911 coupe goes on sale in the U.S. in February, with the convertibles -- the cloth-top Cabriolet and open-top Cabriolet S -- following a few months later.

OUTSIDE: The 911 is longer and wider than the outgoing version, for sportier driving. It also weighs 132 pounds less thanks to more use of magnesium in the sheet metal.

The Cabriolet roof, which raises and lowers in two seconds, consists of a heated glass rear window and fabric-covered magnesium. It can open when the car is going at speeds of 31 mph or lower. A water channel on the top keeps rainwater from dripping down when the door opens.

UNDER THE HOOD: The Cabriolet has a 3.4-liter, 350-horsepower V6 and a seven-gear manual transmission. It will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 176 mph. The Cabriolet S has a 3.8-liter V6 with 400 horsepower. It will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 185 mph.

PRICE: The 911 Cabriolet starts at $93,700, while the Cabriolet S starts at $103,800.

FUEL ECONOMY: Not released, but Porsche says it will be around

CHEERS: A Porsche convertible. What's not to like?

JEERS: While Porsche's U.S. sales were up 14 percent last year, beating the industry, luxury sales slowed generally. Will the post-recession buyer go for a $100,000 convertible?

[Associated Press; By DEE-ANN DURBIN]

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