If you’re an auto enthusiast, you should definitely aspire to drive something from the stables of Porsche. And, if you’re lucky, you might just end up driving the iconic 911, the winner of several prestigious races, or, like we did, the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet (also available in other variants, such as the Coupe).
The 911 has an avid following worldwide—one, because of the manner in which it has evolved in the last 50 years or so, and two, because it takes a certain amount of skill to be able to handle this machine. The Cabriolet’s design, power and efficiency make hardcore auto lovers go crazy.
However, I have a confession to make. I have not driven the Porsche 911 with the naturally aspirated engines that purists swear by, and so, naturally, I couldn’t compare this turbo engine to the so-called real deal.
The thing about most Porsches is that you either love or hate the design. Sure, there are better looking sports cars out there, but those curves and bulges on the 911 make the car look rather sexy. Also, the twin exhausts, which clearly identify the newer 911s, add to their appeal. And, let’s not forget, the Cabriolet variant just exudes oodles of charm.
Another impressive feat is the marriage of technology with performance. The car, thanks to aluminum and steel construction, weighs only 1,500 kg, yet its turbocharged engine produces 420hp @6,500 rpm and belts out 500 Nm of torque. This is thanks to a combination of turbochargers that come with modified compressors, an enhanced exhaust system and well-tuned engine management. Little wonder this car feels at home both on the racetrack and the road.
Inside, the car follows the German principle of function over form. You won't be blown away by the interiors, yet everything is premium leather, ergonomically designed and super comfortable. And yes, the car’s infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay, which makes it a sweeter deal for iPhone users.
The manner in which the seven-speed gearbox, a dual-clutch PDK unit, shifted gears so efficiently, kept us wanting to drive at varying speeds to admire how swiftly and seamlessly it functioned. A slight tap on the accelerator pedal and the car would lunge forward like a beast. We had the best time not only when we were redlining it, but also during the car’s mid-range performance, when the turbo kicked in and the unique sound of the six-cylinder turbocharged engine became music to our ears. To experience the responsiveness of the engine, we also tried out the Sport and Sport+ modes, both of which can be engaged via a knob.
The Cabriolet is the kind of car that needs to be taken out, not on a long drive, but on a long journey. If you really want to unleash its true potential, you have to put it through numerous twists and turns, especially on Indian highways. The car’s acceleration—0 to 100 in 3.9 seconds—can be described in one word: Whoa!
The electromechanical power steering is not only meaty and well weighted, but also very intuitive. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the thrills of the boost button on the steering. At no point did I feel scared or under-confident about the rear end swinging out; that’s how surefooted the car is. In fact, at all times, I felt supremely secure in this well-behaved and well-balanced car.
The ride was brilliant and the handling crisp. The 20-inch tyres helped us cruise over the potholes in the city. And, if your municipality hasn’t taken care of those speed-breakers, fret not, you can raise the nose of the Cabriolet by 40 mm to save your car from nasty grazings.
Fortunately, Porsche buyers are not mere ‘auto lovers’; they are ‘auto worshippers’ who love not only performance, but also cutting-edge technology. So, if you’re looking for a sports car for about Rs 2 crore, this is the one to consider—it starts at Rs 1.76 crore, ex-showroom, Delhi, for the base model. And finally, do spare a thought to what a colossal loss it would have been had Ferdinand Porsche limited himself to designing just the “people’s car” (Volkswagen Beetle,) as instructed by Hitler, and not turned his attention to these magnificent sports cars. *Shudders*
