Porsche 911 GTS cabriolet

So the GTS Cabriolet can’t match the coupé for driving dynamics. However, as with all 911s, the car has a character that is every bit as appealing. Where the coupé boasts razor-sharp handling and top performance, the Cabriolet offers comfort and the bonus of its electric roof. On a warm summer’s day, there are few better places to spend time than behind the wheel of the GTS Cabriolet. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 10.0px; font: 8.0px Helvetica} span.s1 {letter-spacing: -0.1px} span.s2 {letter-spacing: -0.2px}

Here’s a quick tip: If you want to look like an expert in the company of Porsche 911 fans, it’s worth describing the bewildering line-up of cars as a full family, rather than a simple model range.

Each has its own individual qualities – an entry-level Carrera, for example, is a completely different car to the flagship 911 GT2 RS, which in turn cannot be compared to something like the four-wheel-drive 911 Turbo.

There’s even a gulf between similarly badged models, such as the 911 GTS coupé (driven in Issue 1,142) and the GTS Cabriolet which we try here. Pound for pound, the standard GTS coupé is about the best 911 money can buy. But with the roof removed, does it make as much sense?

Well, let’s get the bad news out of the way first. For keen drivers, the answer is no. The cabrio’s steering isn’t quite as sharp as the coupé’s, and on fast winding roads it doesn’t turn into corners with the same accuracy.

The brakes are strong, but the open-topped body is slightly heavier, and not quite as stiff – so if you plan to drive on the track, you’ll find the car lacks the coupé’s lightness of touch and sharp reflexes. Then there’s the fact that for purists, the 911 coupé will always trump the Cabriolet for kerbside appeal. 

However, it would be unwise to dismiss the open-air GTS as a lesser evolution of the hard-top. It’s still very quick, as proven by the 4.6-second 0-62mph time and 189mph top speed. There is also superb mid-corner grip from the wide tyres and sports suspension.

The star appeal of the 402bhp 3.8-litre engine also remains, and ensures there is just as much to enjoy about this drop-top as there is the coupé when it comes to exploiting the performance.

This engine impresses with its smoothness and response even from low speeds. However, it still delivers its best performance above 6,000rpm, and with the roof down it sounds great. Accessing the motor’s poweris easy, too, particularly if you plump for the optional £2,472 PDK semi-automatic gearbox.

The seven-speed unit is a costly luxury, yet it improves not only the car’s straight-line speed, but mpg and emissions, too. The slick-shifting arrangement makes the GTS Cabriolet’s performance easier to access – and also offers relaxed cruising. Of course, it does not quite deliver the fine control of the excellent six-speed manual, but in the drop-top, with its slightly softer steering and more elastic response to driver and road conditions, that hardly matters.

On long journeys the Cabriolet is very impressive. It is less demanding than the coupé and, with the fabric roof up, is nearly as refined. Yes, there’s some road noise from the wide tyres, and at cruising speeds you can hear the wind flowing over the hood. But when the top is stowed, the cockpit is comfortable and buffet-free.

In other words, the 911 is a great cabrio, and this GTS-badged version is the best offered in the family in terms of its driver appeal and relaxed ride.

Rival: BMW 6-Series Convertible

With a sleek new look, BMW’s updated 6-Series Convertible is set to hit UK showrooms in March. It promises greater fuel economy than the car it replaces, plus improved comfort and grand touring luxury.