2004 PORSCHE 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (996) 3.6L 6MT (450 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2000, Porsche introduced its first Turbo Cabriolet version since the 964 generation from 1989. Four years later, due to high demands, it added the Turbo S to the open-top body version.

It was faster and more comfortable than most of the GT vehicles on the market and it proved that you don’t need a fixed roof to enjoy a fast drive. Moreover, it allowed driving with the roof down at warp speeds.

From the outside, the front bumper attracted views due to its large three air-intakes needed to cool the radiators. On its sides, another pair of air-intakes needed to feed the big turbochargers were installed in front of the rear wheels. The retractable roof was able to be stowed away in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph (31 mph), like the rest of the 911 convertible range. With the roof up, the car was tested in the wind tunnel at speeds of up to 338 kph (210 mph). And it had the engine to push almost that hard.

Inside, the Turbo S Cabriolet shared most of its parts with the Turbo Cabriolet, with some small changes to the instrument cluster and gear-stick. The dials featured an aluminum background instead of black ones, and on the gear-stick, the aluminum badge featured the “Turbo S” letters instead of just “Turbo”.

The 450 hp, 3.6-liter twin-turbo engine was placed in the back, as in any Porsche 911. The all-wheel-drive system was standard and that diminished the luggage compartment and the fuel tank in the front. There was a choice of two transmissions: a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic gearbox (Tiptronic) with manual override to change gears, and paddle shifters.