2009 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
By: Juan G. Robbin
Automotive Nirvana
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (2009)
Every time I drive a 911 it reminds me that Porsche has a keen focus on its future without forgetting its storied past. The ubiquitous 911 has been with us since 1964, and the newest version to wear this moniker is definitely the best of the line. Porsche takes each redesign generation and mid-life updates extremely seriously and with the 2009 model is no exception.
The Porsche 911 still has its signature, unmistakable look that has been a part of the factory trademark since its introduction in 1964. Its curving fenders, classic rear end and its sleek xenon headlights that look more like ladies’ bejeweled accessories than automotive headlights, make the Porsche 911 a recognized automotive icon.
The wheels are 18 inch alloys with low profile ZR rated tires mounted. Wheel design is such that it gives the brakes ample ventilation regardless how hard they are used. Tail lights are now LED, creating a signature look every time the brake pedal is pressed. The exhaust tips are understated rectangular tips on both corners, creating a look of power yet being low key.. Porsche went through great pains to tune the exhaust note to sound powerful, strong and sporty, yet never tiresome or over intrusive. Having heard the sound at full throttle, its definitely music to the ears of a Porsche purist.
The 911 Carrera Cabriolet I drove recently was equipped with the newly available (optional) Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). This is Porsche-speak for its new dual clutch transmission. Having never driven an “automatic” 911 I was a bit skeptical. My skepticism evaporated just as fast as it took the 911 to blast through each of its seven gears. Right then and there I was sold on the new PDK system. Up shifts are quick and definite, downshifts are silky smooth and oh so satisfying. Brakes? Lets put it this way, the car stopped much quicker 60 to zero faster than what it took to read this sentence! Handling in previous generations 911 was handicapped by the rear weight bias, always wanting to go tail first around a fast turn. Its said within sports car circles, that if you can drive a 911 above 90% of its capability on a track consistently you are considered a driver’s driver. With modern electronics, driving a 911 on a track aggressively is no longer a white knuckle experience.
There is always something special about the interior of the 911, starting off with the left side ignition key placement harking back to the legendary Grand Prix days as well as the oversized tachometer, showcasing it as the most important instrument in the dash. The interior exudes quality as well as thought-out engineering. Switchgear is remarkably improved and is light years away from the previous generation 911’s. The optional chrono-package provides you with one of the nicest looking chronometers this side of Switzerland, in addition to managing lap times directly on the multi-function display. Speaking of this display, its ultimate test is having the sun shining directly on it and still able to read it. This one passed with flying colors, as the screen resolution is one of the best we’ve seen. Navigation system inputs and management is intuitive and straight forward without having to get the owners’ manual out. Without a doubt, the new Porsche 911 is the best one yet. Offering satisfying sports driving where ever this magic ride may take you.
The 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet with the optional PDK system is automotive nirvana, redefined!
The Essentials
MSRP: $86,200.00 MSRP (As tested): $102,810.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 18.8 MPG
Engine: Horizontally Opposed 6 cylinder, 3.6 liter, 345 HP
Popular Options: PDK, Navigation module, Bose high end sound system,
Sport Chrono Package Plus
Visit: www.porsche.com