It was born a coupe, but when the iconic sports car saw its first cabriolet version bow, it changed open-air motoring
Ordinarily speaking, cutting the roof off a sports car is a very bad idea. For one thing, the formerly stiff chassis is now as floppy as an old shoe. For another, there’s now nothing between you and all the rain and the wasps and whatnot.
The counterpoint to this argument has long been the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. There are more exotic fast convertibles out there, but the 911 is notable for its everyday usability. In cabriolet format, it’s an exhilarating drive that lets you bask in the sunshine. Further, while sporty cars often brag about low zero-to-100-km/h times, the current 911 cabriolet’s ability to raise or lower its roof in just twelve seconds is the kind of performance owners will appreciate.
It’s also now so close in chassis stiffness to the coupe version that any differences in handling might only be noticed on a racetrack. There are all sorts of flavours of 911 cabriolet to be had, from the perfectly lovely base model; to the bonkers-fast Turbo version. Porsche doesn’t break apart 911 sales numbers into coupes and convertibles, but the scuttlebutt is that overall, the droptop 911 might actually outsell its fixed-roof stablemate.
Strange, then, that the 911 cabriolet very nearly didn’t happen. And that, technically speaking, it would take until the early 1980s to show up in a recognizable form.
No discussion of the history of Porsche convertibles would be complete without referencing the ür-Porsche that is the Type 64. Two of these – maybe three, there’s some disagreement – were built in 1938 for a race to be held between Berlin and Rome. That race was never held because of, well, the Second World War.
After the war, some American servicemen came across this odd-looking German race car sitting in storage and decided it would make a decent runabout, if only it didn’t have such a cramped cabin. So they hacked the roof off and drove it around until the engine exploded.
This American taste for top-down, foot-to-the-floor motoring would further influence Porsche when the company built the stripped-down Speedster. However, the 911 was conceived of as a coupe first, with no concrete plans for a convertible. Clearly, though, if this new car was to be a global success, some sort of version would be needed with a removable roof.
So Porsche’s engineers did exactly what those merry G.I.s had done and just cut the roof off a prototype Porsche. Technically the result wasn’t the first 911 cabriolet, because the car wasn’t even technically a Porsche 911. Initially, Porsche intended to market its then-new car as the Porsche 901, but French automaker Peugeot waded in with a trademark claim to all number-zero-number model names. Thus, production cars received 911 badges, and we all received a piece of tedious automotive trivia with which you can bore people at the next local cars and coffee.
The problem with that prototype Porsche 901 convertible is that it was not really a convertible at all. It had been cut open, but lacked a folding soft roof to button it up again when the elements were uncooperative (e.g. rain and wasps).
Further, and perhaps more worryingly, there were rumours from across the Atlantic that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was considering banning convertibles entirely. The rumour was wrong – it was based on incoming rollover requirements that were pushed forward – but Porsche came up with a clever solution nonetheless.
That solution was a roof that came off but left a roll bar behind. The front section of the roof could be lifted off, and the rear windscreen was folding vinyl. There was also a fixed-rear-window version, which ended up being the longer-lasting idea.
This model was named for the Targa Florio, a storied and dangerous Sicilian mountain race where Porsche had won many victories. Founded by racer Vincenzo Florio, the name of the race might as well be “The Florio Trophy.”
While the NHTSA threat never panned out, the Targa was a very popular model for Porsche, spawning a line of models that continue today, and “Targa” became a shorthand for any convertible where the middle section of the roof is removable. Mazda calls its MX-5 RF a “retractable fastback,” but really it’s a sort of Miata Targa.
Porschephiles will often wax lyrical about the character of one of the marque’s early air-cooled engines, and how the modern versions don’t really measure up. Regrettably, such snobbery is probably correct: today’s Porsches are much faster and better composed, but there’s something about the experience of driving an air-cooled 911 cabriolet that’s hard to match.
Not only are you out in the elements, clipping along in the sunshine, but the turbine whirr of that flat-six engine is now sitting in the cockpit with you. Later 911 cabriolets saw Porsche developing ways to tone down the wind buffeting, but part of the fun of scooting about in a 911 cabriolet is arriving looking as if you’ve just had a fight with a gang of rogue hairdryers.
There’s a famous story in Porsche circles about how 911 production was intended to end in the ’80s, with the front-engined 928 taking over. Then-CEO Peter Shutz noticed a chart on the wall showing a bar graph noting the 911 line stopping in 1981 while the 928 and 944 continued onwards; he picked up a marker and extended the 911 line right off the page.
The net result was to breathe new life into the 911 range at the beginning of the 1980s, and that included a proper cabriolet. It sold well, and also appealed to a different sort of Porsche owner, one likely to choose a 911 as an alternative to something like a Mercedes-Benz SL. Towards the end of the 1980s, Porsche offered its four-speed Tiptronic gearbox in the thing.
A 1991 Porsche 911 cabriolet (in purple, no less) with an automatic gearbox is basically the polar opposite of how an enthusiast might spec their car. Strike one for the reduced chassis stiffness, strike two for the lack of a proper manual. Unfortunately, the enthusiasts are wrong: this car is a complete joy to drive.
Just as is the case with modern 911 cabriolets, cutting the roof off a Porsche actually improves it. At some point not too long ago, the cars became basically too fast for their own good, so blunting that performance by some nearly-immeasurable degree is such a small price to pay for a far more involving drive.
As we peer into the mists of the future in expectation of a hybrid or eventual battery-electric 911, this lesson is perhaps the most important thing the 911 cabriolet has to teach us. Cars will always get quicker and faster as the years pass. And cutting the roof off them? Turns out it might be the best way to make sure you actually want to go for a drive.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.
The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.
The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.
In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.
To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.
Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.
The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.
In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.
Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.
Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.
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