Cabriolet Archives - CarCostCanada®

Porsche best in JD Power CSI after earning most “trouble-free” premium brand honours

2021 Porsche 718 Boxster 25 Years — Porsche once again earned top spot in J.D. Power’s Customer Service Index (CSI).

It shouldn’t be a shock that Porsche once again earned highest honours amongst luxury brands in J.D. Power 2021 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study. This is the second time in three years the Stuttgart-based automaker took top spot amongst its premium competitors, and this only a month since winning “most trouble-free new car overall” status for its 911 sports car, in the same third-party analytics firm’s 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the large owners survey resulting in Porsche’s Macan (top photo) achieving the highest podium for its “Premium Compact SUV” category.

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera S — The 911 was the luxury sector’s highest ranking vehicle in J.D. Power’s 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

“Our dealers worked hard for our customers throughout the initial lockdowns of the past year and subsequent social distancing and health measures to make sure they could rely on Porsche,” stated Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA). “We are continually striving to not just meet, but exceed the high expectations of our customers – and it’s vital that the quality of service must live up to that vision.”

2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe — The regular Cayenne was joined by this Cayenne Coupe in recent years, shown here with its fuel-efficient E-Hybrid drivetrain.

J.D. Power’s CSI Study measures “customer satisfaction with service for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of 1- to 3-year-old vehicles,” states a press release, with its latest data collection period being from July through December of 2020. Over 62,500 new vehicle owners responded to a survey, which allowed for a comprehensive list to pull results from.

Porsche received 17 more points over the 2000 CSI study, by the way, with the latest 2021 results combining for an 899-point total out of 1,000 possible points. The brand’s retail dealerships ranked in either 1st or 2nd place in each of the survey’s five classifications, which included Service Facility, Service Advisor, Service Initiation, Service Quality, and Vehicle Pick-Up.

2021 Porsche Panamera — If you’re looking for a very fast luxury sport sedan, the Panamera should be on your list.

Porsche’s current lineup consists of six models, or seven if one chooses to divide the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster body styles individually, with the other five including the legendary 911, the just-noted entry-level Macan compact luxury crossover, the mid-size Cayenne luxury SUV, the Panamera four-door coupe/sport sedan, and finally the new Taycan EV four-door coupe/sport sedan electric.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo — The Taycan EV, shown here in its elongated Cross Turismo body style, is a strong competitor to Tesla’s Model S.

Following any of the linked models to our Canada Prices pages shows that Porsche is currently offering each model with leasing and financing rates from zero percent, so check out each links to remind yourself what they look like, figure out trim and pricing details, plus configure the one you’re interested in with colours and options. Also, be sure to see how your CarCostCanada membership helps you access dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands when you’re negotiating your next deal, plus remember to download our free app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, so you’ll have all of this important info when you need it most.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

CarCostCanada

Porsche releases updates and pricing on 2022 model year 911

2022 Porsche 911 Carrera — Porsche’s base Carrera coupe starts at $115,000 for 2022, with the Cabriolet (shown) available from $129,600.

It might only be April, but 2022 Porsche 911s are already available to configure and order on Porsche’s retail website.

It all started with the recent introduction of the fabulous new 502-horsepower 911 GT3, which starts at $180,300 and will be delivered this fall, while now all 2022 911 body styles and trims are showing on Porsche Canada’s retail website, with pricing for the base model moving up from $113,000 for the current model year to $115,000 for the next model year’s cars.

The $2,000 price hike is reasonable, being that the German luxury brand will add standard comfort and communications features across the entire 911 line, starting with an updated Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen measuring 10.9 inches across. It features a simplified interface inspired by the one in the new Taycan EV, which integrates entertainment, navigation, comfort and communications systems into one flexible layout that boasts plenty of personalization options.

2022 Porsche_911 Carrera S — Porsche added a new Carrera S trim to the 911 range for 2021, which starts at $133,100 for 2022.

Additionally, the PCM update includes a trial period extension for the brand’s connected services package, growing to 36 months from just 12. After the three-year initiation period is over, connected services can be had via subscription.

Porsche Connect, that comes as part of the just-noted connected services package, now includes Voice Pilot that responds to natural language prompts available when saying, “Hey Porsche.”

The Navigation Plus system now features real-time traffic information too, plus online map updates and a calendar, as well as Radio Plus.

2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4S — The 911 Targa, which offers a four-seasons coupe and retractable hardtop body style, can be had from $138,000.

Slow to the party, the new 911 is the first Porsche to include standard Android Auto, which should be appreciated by the bulk of consumers who use Android-powered smartphones. PCM has long included Apple CarPlay, and will continue to do so via wireless and wired connectivity.

Music lovers can rejoice too, not to mention talk radio fans, because a SiriusXM satellite radio (with 360L) three-month trial subscription is now standard.

What’s more, just as with the Taycan, all 2022 911 models can accept direct integration of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts after purchasing an Apple service subscription.

2022 Porsche 911 Turbo — Porsche’s 2022 911 Turbo starts at $198,400.

As for mechanical technologies, dual-clutch PDK transmission-equipped 911 Carrera, Targa, and Turbo models are now upgradable with Remote ParkAssist, which lets the driver remotely move the car in and out of a parking space with their smartphone when standing outside.

Additionally, Remote ParkAssist comes bundled with Active Parking Support, controlled via the new PCM. A 3D Surround View parking camera is now optional too, as is Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Lane Change Assist.

After the $115,000 base 911 Carrera, the identical coupe body style can be further upgraded to the all-wheel drive-equipped Carrera 4 from $123,400, or buyers can opt for a Carrera S at $133,100, or Carrera 4S at $141,500.

2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S — The top-tier Turbo S can be had as a Cabriolet for $250,200.

The enhanced 911 Carrera Cabriolet begins at $129,600 for 2022, while chopping the roof off with AWD results in a $138,000 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Additionally, the 2022 Carrera S Cabriolet now starts at $147,700, while the Carrera 4S Cabriolet can be had from $156,100.

If you want the best of both worlds, the 911 Targa 4 is now available from $138,000, while the Targa 4S starts at $156,100. Once again, three 911 Turbo models are available for the coming model year, starting at $198,400 for the Turbo, and then moving up to $213,000 for the Turbo Cabriolet, plus finally $235,600 for the Turbo S and $250,200 for the Turbo S Cabriolet.

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 — The all-new GT3 is the star of the 911 lineup for 2022, starting at $180,300.

Last but hardly least, the model Porsche says is “the most focused and agile ‘992’ generation car yet” is only available in a single trim line, but we’re not complaining, as the new 2022 911 GT3 is reportedly as good as sports cars get for just $180,300. So far, no 911 GT2 model has been announced, so we’ll obviously need to come back to cover all this again when the brand’s (current) ultimate super coupe arrives on the scene.

So far, we haven’t updated our 911 coverage to include a 2022 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page (expect one soon), so for the time being check out our 2021 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page that’s showing a factory leasing and financing rate of zero percent, plus average member savings of $2,800.

Make sure to find out how CarCostCanada can save you thousands off your next new vehicle purchase by informing you about the latest factory leasing and financing deals, manufacturer rebates, and dealer invoice pricing that can help you negotiate your best deal. Also, remember to download the free CarCostCanada app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, so you can have all of this critical info available to you at the dealership, when you need it most of all.

All 2022 Porsche 911 trims are available to order now, with deliveries expected this coming fall.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

CarCostCanada

Porsche announces new 2021 911 Turbo with pricing and specs

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo — As beautiful as it is powerful, the new 911 Turbo is here sporting 572 horsepower.

We’ve all been waiting for it. Now Porsche’s 911 Turbo has been officially unveiled and is available to order as a 2021 model, with deliveries expected later this year.

The 2021 911 Turbo fills one of two holes in Porsche’s lineup between the 911 Carrera S and 911 Turbo S, with the newest generation 911 GTS, which will slot in just below the Turbo, still awaiting official announcement.

Last April the 911 Turbo S was announced first, and considering the output of its 3.8-litre horizontally opposed engine is a staggering 640 horsepower it might at first seem as if the advent of the new Turbo becomes less eventful. Still, the non-S variant’s near identical flat-six has the highest output of any Turbo in history at 572 horsepower, and being that many more Porschephiles will purchase the much more affordable version it remains the more significant new model launch.

Of note, the new 911 Turbo makes 32 more horsepower than its 2019 predecessor, not to mention 30 lb-ft of extra torque for a total of 553 lb-ft. That allows it to blast past 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package added onto its slightly lighter Coupe body style, or 2.9 seconds from zero to hero in the Cabriolet. Both times are 0.2 seconds quicker than the 2019 911 Turbo Coupe and 911 Turbo Cabriolet, incidentally, which is a major leap forward on paper, at least (it’s more difficult to feel by the seat of the pants).

All of its performance gains can be attributed in part to new symmetrical VTG (variable turbine geometry) turbochargers that incorporate electrically controlled bypass valves, a reworked charge air cooling system, plus piezo fuel injectors. These improvements result in quicker throttle response, a freer rev range, stronger torque delivery, and improved performance all-round.

The new 2021 911 Turbo sports the identical standard eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission as the 911 Turbo S, by the way, while both models also include standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. With the 911 Turbo, a car that can attain track speeds up to 320 km/h (198 mph), such control is needed.

What’s more, the new 2021 911 Turbo boasts the same buffed up exterior contours as the Turbo S, including 46 mm (1.8 in) of extra width than the Carrera between the front fenders and 20 mm (0.8 in) more between the fenders at back. This provides more room for bigger performance rubber measuring 10 mm (0.4 in) more front to rear.

Similarly, the front brake discs are 28 mm (1.1 in) wider than those on the previous 911 Turbo, while those opting for the upcoming 2021 Turbo can also purchase the same 10-piston caliper-infused ceramic brakes made optional with the new Turbo S. Additional extras include the aforementioned Sport Chrono Package, a Sport suspension upgrade, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and a rear-wheel steering system.

As you might have expected, Porsche has modified the new 911 Turbo’s cabin with all of the same updates as found in the regular Carrera models, plus some of the features found in the new Turbo S. Standard 14-way powered Sport seats will no doubt provide as much comfort as support, while a standard Bose audio system will keep those not solely enamoured with the sound of the powertrain entertained. Also available, a Lightweight package deletes the rear jump seats (that are only useful if you have small kids or grandkids), and exchanges the standard 14-way front Sport seats for a special set of lightweight performance buckets, while also removing some sound deadening material (that make the engine and exhaust sound better), resulting in 30 kg (66 lbs) of weight savings.

A 911 Turbo Sport package is also on the menu, including some SportDesign upgrades like black and carbon-fibre exterior trim plus clear tail lamps, while a unique sounding Sport exhaust system is also available. Additionally, the options list includes lane keep assist, dynamic cruise control, night vision assist, an overhead parking camera with a 360-degree bird’s-eye view, a Burmester audio system upgrade, etcetera.

The all-new 2021 Turbo Coupe is now available to order from your local Porsche retailer for $194,400, while the new 2021 Turbo Cabriolet is available from $209,000, plus fees and freight charges.

Before making that call, mind you, you should check out our 2021 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page as there are factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent that you’ll want to get more info on. Also, take note of any rebates that only CarCostCanada members will find out about, while CarCostCanada members also have access to dealer invoice pricing that could save you even more. See how the CarCostCanada system works now, and remember to download our free CarCostCanada app onto your smartphone or tablet from the Google Android Store or Apple Store, so you can get access to all the most important car shopping info wherever you are.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

CarCostCanada

911 Cabriolet’s intelligent climate control automatically adjusts when roof opens

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet — The new 911 Cabriolet features an innovative climate control system that automatically adjusts to maintain individual temperatures while the top is opening.

During the launch of the all-new 911 Carrera, Porsche put on a runway-style fashion show highlighting each of the iconic model’s eight generations, along with numerous body styles and other permutations. While it would’ve been incorrect to dub any of these 911 successors as “retro”, being that the car was and still is an unbroken continuation of an ongoing model, some features, particularly its triangular “no-draft” vent windows, were only removed near the turn of the century with the onset of its water-cooled engine. Now Porsche is a leader in multi-zone automatic climate control system technology, particularly when it comes to the new 911 Cabriolet.

The German automaker recently developed an interior temperature sensor that can detect when the 911 Cabriolet’s retractable cloth top is opening, and then quickly make all the necessary adjustments so that front occupants won’t feel a change in cabin temperature. The advanced system incorporates 20 external and 20 internal sensors to continuously process 350-plus signals in half-second intervals, these including outlet, exterior, coolant temperatures, engine speeds, insolation, and vehicle speed. Once factoring in information from the soft-top, doors and seat positioning the system will slowly suppress a specific sensor while the convertible top is being opened, resulting ideal air temperature, air ventilation volume and air distribution to each occupant.

In a press release Porsche goes so far to claim that “911 Cabriolet drivers are surrounded by a pleasant freshness” “… even in the searing summer heat of the city,” stating that its new intelligent climate control system is especially useful at low speeds.

The system is also effective when driving with the top down in cooler temperatures, eliminating the all too common “warm feet, cool head” scenario that anyone who’s driven al fresco in winter will be familiar with. Porsche’s intelligent climate control system disseminates more warm air through the centre vents, which gives the driver and front passenger “a cozy veil of heat without having the unpleasant sensation of air being blown in their faces,” continues Porsche.

“Blissfully warm hands on the steering wheel” is another bonus that allows the 911 Cabriolet’s driver to forgo warm winter gloves, claims Porsche, while both front occupants can stow their winter jackets in the trunk.

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

CarCostCanada

New 2020 911 Carrera 4 Coupé and Cabriolet just in time for winter

2020 911 Carrera 4 Coupé and Cabriolet2020 911 Carrera 4 Coupé and Cabriolet — The 2020 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is a true all-season convertible. (Photo: Porsche)

This winter will be “colder than normal,” says The Old Farmer’s Almanac in this year’s Annual Weather Summary for Southern British Columbia, while “temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall will be above normal” in Southern Ontario.

Yikes! Ready for the dark days of winter yet? Anyone with a reasonably good memory will get a chill when thinking back to the past two winter seasons, while February of 2019 was Vancouver’s coldest on record ever. Now, early storms are already rearing their ugly heads across Canada, bringing these bitter memories back earlier than expected, but you won’t need to concern yourself about getting around if you ante up for Porsche’s all-new redesigned 2020 911 Carrera 4 Coupé or 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet.

2020 911 Carrera 4 Coupé and Cabriolet — The new Carrera 4 sports rectangular tailpipes for a unique look. (Photo: Porsche)

The Stuttgart-based performance/luxury brand has been introducing its fresh new 911 throughout the year, and its latest Carrera 4 models couldn’t have timed their arrival better. Using the identical 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder “boxer” engine as found in the new Carrera 2, making 370 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, the new Carrera 4 Coupe blasts from standstill to 100 km/h a scant 0.1 seconds faster than the Carrera 2 at just 4.5 seconds when shifted by its seven-speed manual transmission, or 4.3 seconds when mated up to its paddle-shift infused eight-speed PDK gearbox. Even better, the Carrera 4 can accomplish the same feat in a mere 4.1 seconds when Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package enhances the dual-clutch automated transmission.

Furthermore, only 9.7 seconds is required to zip from zero to 160 km/h with the manual gearbox, or 9.3 seconds for the PDK, while the two model respectively top out at 292 and 290 km/h. If the convertible is your thing, the new Carrera 4 Cabriolet takes just 0.2 seconds longer to achieve each timed exercise, while its top speed is a lofty 289 km/h.

Identical to the 2020 Carrera 4S released earlier this year, the redesigned Carrera 4 features a new water-cooled front differential, which includes reinforced clutches that increase load capacity and durability. Together with Porsche Traction Management (PTM), the new front axle drive system enhances the Carrera 4’s grip in slippery situations, while also improving performance in dry conditions.

Additionally, all 2020 911 Carrera buyers get an innovative new Wet mode as part of the upgraded steering wheel-mounted driving mode selector. The smart technology automatically maintains greater control over slippery road surfaces when turned on, while all new 911 trims improve safety further via standard autonomous emergency braking with moving object detection, while a high-resolution rearview camera plus rear parking assist come standard too.

Also standard, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) improves high-speed handling thanks to electronically variable dampers with both Normal and Sport settings, while Porsche Torque Vectoring, which comes standard with the pricier S and 4S, is now offered as optional equipment when ordering the new Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet.

Other features include the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, plus staggered front and rear 20- and 21-inch alloy rims, while staggered 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels come standard.

As for exterior styling, you’ll have a difficult time trying to spot a Carrera 4 when it’s driving toward you, but you might catch its italicized “4” on the rear deck lid when it passes you by, or alternatively see if two rectangular tailpipes have replaced the base model’s twin oval tips. This isn’t an exact science, however, as it’s possible for Carrera 4 customers to purchase an available set of dual oval exhaust pipes, but take note if a quad of round ports are filling out the 911’s lower rear apron it’s a Carrera 2S or 4S. Got that?

This said nothing is so obviously unique inside either 911 Carrera 2 or 4. Both models arrive standard with the German brand’s almost entirely digital primary gauge cluster, with only its classic analogue tachometer at centre, while the new 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen infotainment interface fills the top portion of the centre stack, featuring enhanced connectivity no less. Hardly last on an extensive list of standard features, both 911 Carreras feature the same reportedly comfortable and supportive redesigned seats.

The fresh new 2020 Porsche Carrera 4 Coupé is now available to order from $111,900, plus freight and fees, as is the Carrera 4 Cabriolet, start at $126,000.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

CarCostCanada

Porsche grows 2020 911 line with new base Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera — Most will agree, the new 2020 911 Carrera Cabriolet looks fabulous. (Photo: Porsche)

It’s been less than a year since Porsche introduced the all-new eighth-generation 2020 911 at the LA auto show, and just seven months since the Cabriolet arrived, and now the German performance brand is readying those mid-range Carrera S models for production and upcoming deliveries this fall. Ahead of these 443 horsepower super cars, Porsche has just released photos and key information about a couple of 911 models that are a bit more down to earth, the more affordable base 911 Carrera Coupe and 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

The new entry-level 911 hardtop and soft-top models share the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder “boxer” engine as those “S” trims, but they incorporate a unique set of turbos for less performance. Still, 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque is no laughing matter, unless the thrill of quick acceleration makes you giggle. The first number adds 9 horsepower over the outgoing 2019 model, which results in a zero to 100km/h sprint time of just 4.2 seconds, or 4.0 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. This is a significant move up from the outgoing base Carrera that was only capable of 4.6 or 4.2 seconds to 100km/h respectively.

Surprisingly, the new 911 Carrera will only be available with Porsche’s new eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission when it first arrives. This gearbox, which was originally announced for the Carrera S, adds one gear over the outgoing automatic, for stronger performance and improved fuel economy. Those who want the seven-speed manual will need to wait until later in the model.

The new Carrera Coupe’s track speed is identical to the outgoing model at 293 km/h (182 mph), while the Cabriolet’s terminal velocity is 291 km/h (181 mph). It’s normal for a fabric-topped convertible to be slower at high speeds than its equivalent hardtop coupe, due to the cloth roof “ballooning” at high speeds, but Porsche incorporated magnesium surface elements dubbed “bows” within the redesigned roof’s structure, so it manages wind more effectively.

By the way, that fabric roof, which is now bigger to accommodate for the 911’s larger interior, can open and close at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph), and only needs 12 seconds to do so thanks to a reworked hydraulic system. What’s more, the updated process also extends an electrically extendable wind deflector so as to keep gusts of air from discomforting occupants.

Inside that larger, more accommodating cabin, the new 911 Carrera receives a wholly renewed interior with a large 10.9-inch high-definition touchscreen on the centre stack, while an all-new safety feature dubbed “Wet Mode” provides greater control when it’s raining or otherwise slippery.

All just-mentioned items come standard with the Carrera S, but take note the new base Carrera gets a smaller set of 19-inch alloys on 235/40 ZR performance tires up front, plus bigger 20-inch rims shod in 295/35 ZR rubber at the rear. Additionally, the base Carrera’s 330-millimetre brake rotors are smaller than the Carrera S’ discs, these biting onto black-coated four-piston monobloc fixed calipers for stopping power that should easily be up to task for dealing with this less potent car’s overall performance. Also notable, the 911 Carrera’s exhaust system gets unique individual tailpipe covers.

Transport Canada hasn’t provided fuel economy specs for the new 2020 911 models yet, but Porsche claims its new base Coupe and Cabriolet will be capable of a 9.0 and 9.2 L/100km city/highway combined rating respectively, when calculated on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). We can expect slightly different numbers when our five-cycle rating system is applied.

And what about pricing? Surprisingly the base 2020 911 Carrera Coupe’s window sticker gets pushed up $7,000 over its predecessor, from $104,000 to $111,000, while the Cabriolet’s starting price has been increased from $118,100 to $125,600, for a $7,500 increase. Then again, we need to factor in that the new eight-speed automated PDK transmission is now standard, and that prices will likely be lowered when the seven-speed manual arrives later in the model year.

Just the same, Porsche is probably hoping that the new 2020 911 Carrera’s many enhancements will justify its sharp move up in price, but this said it will be interesting to witness how a more value-driven rival, like Chevy’s new 526-horsepower mid-engine C8 Corvette that hits the road for a mere $69,998, might erode 911 sales. Granted, Porsche clientele, particularly 911 buyers, are not normally Corvette buyers, but the C8 is no normal Corvette, and its more exotic mid-engine layout and styling, stronger performance, and bargain basement price might lure in those who aren’t as brand loyal.

This said, if you still want a 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe or Cabriolet you can order it now and expect delivery early next year, while all-wheel drive C4 models will be available to order soon.

And while waiting, be sure to flick through all the photos we’ve gathered in our gallery above, plus enjoy the short video below:

The new 911 Carrera Coupé and 911 Carrera Cabriolet. (1:00):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche