2022 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Porsche is recognized the world over as the creator of the greatest sports coupes on the planet, and every time it seems that a model can't be improved, the company surprises us with yet another brilliant generation that somehow outshines the last one. That brilliance carries over to the brand's drop-top models too, and the latest 911 Carrera Cabriolet is yet another magnificent luxury sports convertible. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six with 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, the 2022 Carrera takes the fight to the Jaguar F-Type Convertible and Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. However, the Boxster has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, so is the 911 still the best way to zip around with the wind in your hair? Well, when the new GTS models make up to 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, we think so.

As is the norm on a 911, rounded LED headlights with four "stars" as running lights in each housing are standard. LED strips reside at the top of the front fascia's grilles, while the distinctively rounded wheelhouses contain 19-inch rims at the front and 20s at the rear. S models get 20/21-inch wheels. Speaking of the rear, the full-length taillight housing has the Porsche script housed therein, while two single-tube exhaust outlets add some menace to the tail end of the car. The S variants have two dual-tube tailpipes to set them apart.

Dimensions for the existing 911 Carrera Cabriolet models remain unchanged, with length measuring 177.9 inches, while width is 72.9 inches with the mirrors folded. The height is 51.1 inches, while the wheelbase measures 96.5 inches. Curb weight starts at 3,508 pounds for the base model, while the 4S starts at 3,556 lbs for the manual and 3,641 lbs for the PDK. The new GTS is slightly longer at 178.5 inches and lower with a height of 50.8 inches.

The 911 Carrera's 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer-six generates 379 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, 443 hp and 390 lb-ft on S models, and 473 hp and 420 lb-ft on GTS models, all of which is sent through an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Carrera 4, 4S, and 4 GTS models split power between both axles. Fortunately, a seven-speed manual is still available but the PDK is obviously faster. This allows the base version of the convertible to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, although you can shave another two tenths off that time if you opt for the Sport Chrono package with its brilliant launch control system. The 4S is quicker, with a time as low as 3.4 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive GTS matches that latter sprint time thanks to producing more power; the manual's figure is 4.1 seconds. The PDK is faster still, at 3.3 seconds. Top speed is capped at 180 mph on the base model and reaches 190 on the S and 192 on the GTS, but as always with a Porsche, it's more about the way things feel and respond, rather than just top trumps. The gearbox is incredibly quick and is so intelligent and smooth that you may never see the need to take the reins yourself. With the manual, the notchy, weighted, slick shift is a joy that is unrivaled. Similarly, the throttle response is fantastic. Porsche has got the basics right and then perfected them, as always.

Well, how do you expect a 911 to drive? As always, the steering is incredibly accurate and responsive, sending the car exactly where you point it. Grip is phenomenal, and if you want to, you can coerce the rear tires into slipping for easily controllable slides. Naturally, this is relative, and if you've never driven a rear-engined Porsche before, you may want to practice on a closed track first, but the progression is fast and the 911 eggs you on, urging you to go faster and faster around corners. Naturally, a drop-top is about the slow drives too, and the 911 doesn't disappoint. It's got Porsche Active Suspension Management to help keep the car flat when you chuck it into bends, but it does the whole boulevard cruiser thing just as well, with impressive tranquility. The brakes are as brilliant as you'd expect from a 180-mph-capable luxury roadster too. Simply put, the 911 is still a joyous machine to drive, no matter what road you're on or how fast you're going on it.

No official figures have been released by Porsche or the EPA with regards to the 2022 911 cabriolet's fuel consumption, but since nothing mechanical has changed, we expect that the 2021's figures of 18/24/20 mpg for both the Carrera and Carrera 4 Cabriolet on the city/highway/combined cycles will be replicated. The figures for the manual S are 18/25/21 mpg and for the manual 4S, 17/25/20 mpg. No figures have been released for the forthcoming GTS yet. With a 16.9-gallon gas tank, the 911 cabriolet should return around 338 miles with mixed driving. However, an optional 23.7-gallon gas tank can increase this to around 474 miles.

One of the features of the 911 that makes it slightly more appealing than, say, a Boxster, is that it has four seats. However, like pretty much every other offering in this segment, the 911's rear seats are useless for anyone but toddlers. In the front, things are much better with power-adjustable seats allowing people of pretty much any height to find a comfortable and ergonomic driving position. Getting in and out is easy too, especially with the top down, and visibility in all directions is pretty good.

Porsche sports cars aren't known for their practicality and the 911 cabriolet is no different. The front trunk, or frunk, can only hold 4.6 cubic feet of volume, but that's at least enough for an overnight bag or two.

Inside, you get decent door pockets with bottle recesses, a pair of cupholders, and a small glovebox. Center armrest storage is included too, but not much else. In a pinch, the rear seats can be used for additional luggage.

As standard, the 2021 911 Carrera cabriolet comes with auto stop/start, hill start assist, an active rear spoiler, heated power-folding wing mirrors, and heated front seats with powered backrest adjustment. It also boasts automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking, cruise control, keyless entry, push-button ignition, a pair of seven-inch TFT driver info display screens, rain-sensing wipers, and Wet Mode, which helps improve safety in the rain. Meanwhile, the options list includes 18-way adaptive sport seats, adaptive LED matrix headlights, a surround-view camera, lane change assist, ambient lighting, launch control, dynamic engine mounts, a nose-lifting system that can automatically raise the front of the car based on GPS assistance, and a night vision camera. Other options include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a retuned speed-sensitive steering system.

The 911 benefits from a 10.9-inch touchscreen display across the dash that is a joy to use and beautiful to look at. Besides wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto has finally been added thanks to the latest version of the infotainment software, although you still need a cable for it. The 911's voice control system is decent as these things go. It also includes SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Voice Pilot with "Hey Porsche" activation, and an eight-speaker sound system. However, you can upgrade to a Bose 12-speaker system or, if you're a real stickler for incredible audio, a Burmester 13-speaker system can be had - if you're willing to spend over five and a half grand on it.

The 2022 911 Carrera is, thus far, free of recalls. However, it is worth noting that the 2021 model suffered two recalls, one for a potentially incorrectly deploying passenger airbag and another for suspension components that have not been properly tightened.

However, should anything go wrong, the 911 is covered by a limited warranty for four years/50,000 miles. A 12-year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty is included too, while the first 10,000 miles or the first year offer free maintenance.

Sports cars in this price bracket are not often intentionally crashed, as is evidenced by the lack of results from the NHTSA for this Porsche. The same goes for the IIHS, which hasn't evaluated the 911 Carrera for crashworthiness.

However, owners can have faith in the Porsche's safety systems, which are numerous. These include hill start assist, automatic LED headlights, a rearview camera, forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing wipers. Also included is Wet Mode, a setting that automatically reduces the car's performance to ensure safety in the rain. Frontal, side-impact, and rollover airbags, as well as automatic roll hoops, contribute further to the car's safety credentials. Options include adaptive LED matrix headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, a night vision camera, and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is almost exactly like the 2021 model. In other words, it's absolutely spectacular. The only things that have changed are the new infotainment software with Android Auto and the addition of the GTS model. All the standard stuff is epic, and all the optional features are either useful or cool in some way. And all of this comes on top of a package that is both comfortable and exciting. It is arguably the best convertible you can have if you want true luxury and unbeatable driving dynamics in one perfect, gorgeous, fast bundle. It's simply the best. Sure, Porsches are getting bigger and heavier as a whole. But the 992 911 is one of the few cars that is still committed to being the absolute best it can be, without altering its DNA or corrupting its heritage. Even with the roof off, it's magnificent. We want one. Badly.

Four versions of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet are available, starting with the regular Carrera at $114,000. The Carrera 4 starts at a base price of $121,300, while the Carrera S is $129,900. The 4S cabriolet has a base price of $137,200 and the range-topping GTS starts at $149,500 for the RWD model and $156,800 for the AWD model. These prices are before a delivery, processing and handling fee, which all models are subject to at $1,350. Fully loaded, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet can exceed $240,000.

It's difficult to make a recommendation here, as it depends on what you want from your vehicle. It's also tricky because there is no such thing as a bad Porsche. That said, it's hard to resist the most powerful version. We prefer rear-wheel-drive over all-wheel-drive, so we'd stray from the 4 GTS and start with a regular GTS. We'd also certainly opt for the seven-speed manual, although we don't begrudge those who go for the PDK since it's incredibly quick. The GTS comes standard with the Sport Chrono package with its launch control functionality, dynamic engine mounts, PASM sport suspension, and Track Precision App, as well as upgraded, Turbo-spec brake discs. Ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a sound system upgrade seem like the ideal additions to a luxury convertible that allows you to soak up the sun. Finally, we'd consider the surround-view camera to ensure we don't ding the paint.

The Jaguar F-Type convertible was refreshed for the 2021 model year and for the 2022 model range, only V8s remain. With a starting price of $69,900, it's almost half what a new 911 costs, making it worthy of consideration. It only comes with an eight-speed automatic. The R-Dynamic V8 is better matched to the 911, with 444 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. This is a bargain considering that this trim still starts at 83 grand but it's also slower due to its heft. There are no back seats at all, the infotainment system isn't as slick as Porsche's, and the interior can feel cramped. It also doesn't handle quite as well as the 911. Overall, if you have the money, a 911 is still the ultimate choice.

Mercedes-AMG's GT Roadster is a stunning looking thing. At $130,700 for the base model, it had better be. It's not just about looks though, as that also buys you a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces a stunning 523 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque. If you opt for the GT C, you get 550 hp and 502 lb-ft, although that's still not enough to beat the 911 from 0-60 as it takes 3.6 seconds to get there. Fortunately, it pulls back a point with a top speed of 196 mph. Like the Jag above, however, it isn't offered with a manual gearbox. Another trait it shares with the F-Type is that it only seats two people. It also doesn't have the handling finesse of the Porsche. Still, it offers features like AIRSCARF neck-warming and a more emotionally evocative experience overall. Thus, if you want luxury and emotion, get the Merc. If you love driving, buy the Porsche.