Around these parts, we sincerely believe convertibles are good, despite the roof-loving naysayers who insist on silly things like torsional rigidity. And if you love droptops, have $205,000 to blow and want to murder hypercars, the 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet should be on your list.
I recently spent a magical week in this Guards Red Turbo S Cab. This may come as a total shock to many of you, but it’s very, very good. A full written review is coming next week, but in the meantime, allow me to tantalize you with the video up top and five things you should know about it.
1. It’s Crazy Fast
Yes, most 911s have turbochargers these days, so “Turbo” is a silly name. But it’s still reserved for some of the most badass forced induction cars in the 911 family, and the most expensive. The Turbo S is even hotter and crazier with 580 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat six.
That’s good enough to propel this thing from zero to 60 mph in under three seconds—2.9 seconds according to Porsche, 2.6 seconds according to Car and Driver. That makes it about on par with million-dollar-plus cars like the Bugatti Veyron and McLaren P1.
That’s one way (probably the only way) to make $205,000 look like a bargain.
2. Unique Turbos
Wanna feel really special? The Turbo S packs two turbochargers that are unique to this model, for the first time ever. It’s mechanically different from the “regular” Turbo, featuring turbos with larger impeller wheels and a modified housing supply to force in more air.
3. It’s Wide
One thing that’s fun about the 911 family is the work that goes into making them all a bit unique and special, and that includes with body design. The Turbo models are notable for being among the widest 911s, with a rear almost three inches wider than your average Carrera. It’s wider than the Carrera 4 models too, so it looks beefy and imposing—especially with those massive air intakes in the back.
4. It Has an Actual Keyfob
We all know Porsche’s left-side key orientation is a throwback to the old running starts at Le Mans, when racers would start the engine with their left hands and get the car in gear with their right for minuscule time savings. Necessary on modern cars? Hell no, but it’s a cool throwback. Also nice is how the 991.2 still starts by inserting a real, actual fob into the port and turning it. No start button here. Rare for a modern luxury car, but a nice touch.
5. Sport Response is the Truth
Yeah, the Turbo S is fast on its own. But to feel the maximum of what it’s capable of, hit the Sport Response button on the driving mode toggle sticking off the steering wheel. That maximizes engine and gearbox response for 20 seconds, giving an effect that’s sort of like push-to-pass in F1. Either way, the car feels almost terrifyingly quick when this is on, and it’s a great way to catch the light or scare the crap out of your passengers.
It’s a very good 911. You should buy three.