Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

The run of Porsche 997-series 911 variants continues with the launch of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

The cabrio features a three-layer soft top, which opens and closes in roughly 20 seconds, according to Porsche, and features a low balance point. Despite extensive convertible-specific chassis reinforcement, the open-top version of the 911 Turbo weighs just 154 pounds more than its hardtop sibling.

With a drag coefficient of .31, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is on par with the hardtop's number. The automatically-deploying rear spoiler extends slightly further than the coupe's, helping the cabrio to generate negative lift at the rear axle. Six airbags are standard equipment and the rollover protection system features steel tubing integrated into the windshield frame along with extendable rollover protection behind the rear seats.

The Cabriolet comes with the same 3.6 liter, bi-turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine as the coupe, which generates 480 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque at 1950 rpm. With the optional "Sport Chrono Turbo Package," an overboost function can push torque up to 500 lb-ft. Manual transmission-equipped models can accelerate from 0 to 62 in just four seconds. With Tiptronic S the time can be cut to 3.8 seconds, Porsche claims. Both versions can reach speeds of up to 192 mph.

Among the standard equipment on the 911 Turbo Cabriolet are Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch forged wheels with two-tone appearance, A/C, wind deflector, and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) - a navigation system with a 5.8 inch color monitor, and a Bose Surround Sound System.

How much for the Porsche blow-dry effect? The cabrio's pricing is listed at 126,600 Euros (roughly $172,000 at current exchange rates, but expect U.S. pricing to start at around $136,000) and will be available in September, according to the automaker.