Porsche is currently gearing up for the release of the next generation 992-era 911, offered as a follow-up to the current 991-era 911. Per usual, Porsche will offer a variety of body styles and equipment levels, including high-end speed and unlimited headroom with the up-and-coming 911 Turbo Convertible.

Updated 10/21/2019: The 992-gen Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible was caught testing on public roads again and, while it doesn’t sport that cool red top we saw last time, there are some small changes that tell us this baby is ready to debut. Check out the new pictures and the details in our Spy Shots section below!

Spy Shots

October 21, 2019: 992-Gen Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible - Refined and Ready to Debut

Don’t hold your breath quite yet, but it looks like the 992-Gen 911 Turbo Convertible will be making it’s long-awaited debut very soon. These most recent spy shots might not look any different outside of the black canvass top, but under closer inspection, there are a few things to point out that have changed since the last time we saw it. Up front, the cutouts above those LED running lights has been enlarged and are now packed with plastic trim, and the corner lights ahead of the front wheels are new clear with orange LEDs inside (last time these were simply orange plastic with standard white lights behind.

Move around to the back, and there is even more to talk about. Porsche has dropped some of the team at the meeting point of the rear fascia and the rear quarters, indicating that the rear light stripe will just barely wrap around. The license place now sits much lower in the rear fascia, which is now production spec. The fake corner vents on the last prototype have morphed into new vents with black cladding around them We’re still not sure if they are functional for sure, but it certainly looks that way. There’s also an insert at the bottom of the rear fascia with the production, oval-shaped exhaust outlets. Finally, we should point out that the spoiler here is different and is integrated into the rear deck for active maneuverability. The high-mount brake light is now located on the bottom of that spoiler and will raise or lower with the spoiler itself.

At this point, it looks like the 911 Turbo Convertible is ready to go, so expect it to debut sometime in the very near future with sales commencing in early 2020.

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible caught testing with a cool red top

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible Caught Testing Yet Again

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible caught testing in the snow

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible Exterior Styling

This time around, we’re getting a look at the upcoming 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible thanks to a series of spy shots that show the drop-top attacking Porsche’s favorite test grounds - the Nurburgring race track in Germany. The pics also show the roofless 911 out and about on the surface roads surrounding the ‘Ring, presumably on its way either to or from a test session.

Unsurprisingly, this tester looks more or less the same as the hardtop model. While Porsche is dressing it as a Carrera for test purposes, we think it’s actually the Turbo under the skin, mostly thanks to its wider track and large side intakes.

That said, most 911’s look nearly identical, even between the generational updates. The defining difference between the Turbo Convertible and its lesser brethren will be a more aggressive aero package, once again closely resembling the coupe model in terms of frontend and rear treatments.

On this tester, the front fascia appears to be quite similar to that of the outgoing model, with a wide and low stance, oval headlights, and a trio of intakes in the lower bumper divided by a series of horizontal lines.

This time around though, there appears to be an extra set of creases along the hood, added as a means of beefing up the car’s frontend with even more visual muscle. We also expect a full LED lighting setup, from the headlights to the daytime running lights, with a quartet of forward lighting elements as standard for the former, and reshaped thin strips for the latter.

The new front end will also most likely gain a reshaped trio of lower intakes, all of which is standard styling update stuff from Porsche.

Moving to the sides, the Turbo Convertible will use the same profile as the hardtop vehicle. We’re also expecting extremely wide rear fenders, giving the sports car some impressive hips. The rear tires will be quite wide as well. Just ahead of the rear fenders will be a set of plus-sized intakes to feed the engine all the cool air it needs.

The tail of the machine will be dominated by a large rear spoiler. Mounted just behind the engine vents in a T-shaped design and upward flick, the wing will be active, rising and falling for either more downforce or a more streamlined, aero-efficient shape as the situation may warrant.

Back here we also find that the 911 Turbo Convertible will come with an LED taillight setup similar to the Mission E Concept, utilizing a singular thin strip stretching across the entirety of the tail. Moving towards the pavement, we find a double-dose of oval exhaust tips, but we’ve also seen a quartet of squared-off tips on previous testers, and we think the final production model will likely get the squared-off variants. There’s also some lower vent elements down here that will likely get a reshape as well.

Moving onto those exterior features that are specific to the Convertible model, the folding fabric roof will force the rear windows to get a few minor changes in their shape.

Finally, with this latest generational changeover, Porsche will once again differentiate between the various model lines (Carrera, Turbo, GTS, etc.) with a set of unique styling cues, so keep an eye out for those.

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible Interior Design

Note: current Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible pictured here.

Inside the cabin, the 992-era Porsche 911 is likely to gain a revamped cabin layout, with a design that differs quite a bit from the current model. Overall, we’re expecting updates like a simplified control scheme and a redesigned dash with loads of horizontal cues and digital readouts. The central tunnel will continue to house the shifter and a few hard buttons, while the steering wheel will use a shape inspired by the 918 Spyder.

Per usual, the interior will also come with loads of high-end materials. Leather and Alcantara will feature prominently, as will aluminum surrounds and other bits of polished metal.

One of the biggest question marks is over the instrumentation spec. Previously, we’ve seen testers equipped with an analog tachometer mounted in the middle and digital readouts on the sides, and that’s most likely the direction Porsche will head for the 992-era 911 Turbo Convertible.

It’s also possible the 911 will get an all-digital gauge cluster, such as something adapted from Audi’s Virtual Cockpit technology, although we think that’s a less likely than the analog tach and digital screen set-up we saw before.

One thing that’s a certainty is that the new 911 will come with the very latest infotainment goodies that Porsche can muster. That means good stuff like cutting-edge smartphone connectivity, web connectivity, and more. Upgrades will include a high-end stereo from Burmester.

Running it all will be a large infotainment screen mounted top dead center in the main console, which will get larger dimensions than the current model’s screen.

Also expect a bevy of features for tracking your performance if you want to take yours to the track, such as a lap timer and G meter.

Finally, the process of opening and closing the top will take approximately 20 seconds to complete.

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible Drivetrain And Performance

Mounted in the rear of the machine, the next Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible will get a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine. Going forward, all 992-era 911 Carrera will get turbos, but the actual Turbo model will come with extra power and performance potential.

Current output is rated at 540 horsepower for the standard Turbo Convertible, while the Turbo S model gets a bit more at 580 horsepower. Both models are expected to get a decent power boost across the board, up to about 560 horsepower in the base-model Turbo and upwards to 600 to 610 ponies in the S variant.

The extra power will also translate into extra performance, shaving off about a tenth or so from the current models’ 0-to-60 mph times. We think a 0-to-60 time under the 3-second mark is definitely within grasp for the standard model, while the S should do the benchmark in roughly 2.8 seconds.

Some reports are even pointing to rumors that the Turbo S will get a hybrid upgrade. If so, expect it to pull tech from the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, making upwards of 700 horsepower when it’s all said and done. That’s a rather massive increase over the current model’s 580 ponies, so we’re a bit incredulous it’ll actually happen, and if it does, it might not happen with this new generational changeover. Rather, Porsche could save it for a mid-cycle update instead.

Either way, we’re thinking a seven-speed manual and a new PDK automatic for the transmission options.

Standard spec will also toss in AWD to put the newfound muscle down to the pavement. Other notable features will include Porsche’s standard rear-axle steering, plus Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus with an electronic rear differential lock, and six-pot calipers up front with four-pot calipers in the back, both of which will squeeze carbon ceramic composite brake discs. All of it should come with a slightly more aggressive tune this time around to keep the Turbo badge’s credibility intact.

Under the slightly reshaped body panels will be the new MMB platform. Standout features here include a wider track than before, offering greater stability in the corners.

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Prices

The 992-generation Porsche 911 is expected to debut sometime in 2019 or possibly late in 2018, first making the scene as the Carrera and Carrera S. The 2019 Geneva International Motor Show would certainly make for a fitting place to drop the sheets on that one.

Once the Carrera is out, the Turbo will follow approximately six months afterwards, most likely offered later in 2019 for the 2020 model year.

Pricing should more or less mirror that of the current model. For now, the 911 Turbo Convertible starts at $174,100 for the standard model and $203,000 for the go-faster S model.

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Competition

Ferrari 488 Spider

Ferrari certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to high-end performance drop-tops. The latest in this segment from the Prancing Horse is the 488 Spider, which arrives to the party with a 3.9-liter V-8 that’s turbocharged to produce upwards of 660 horsepower. Properly applied to the rear axle, it’s enough to send the 488 to 62 mph in 3 seconds flat, and if you keep your foot to the floor, it’ll continue on to a top speed of 203 mph. Handling the cog swaps is an F1-style seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while electronic goodies like an E-Diff3, F1-Trac, and High-Performance ABS keep it on the pavement. Next to the 911, the 488 is much more of a head-turner, but the extra style takes a pretty penny to acquire, with pricing starting at $280,900.

Read our full review of the 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider.

Lamborghini Huracan Spyder

If you need to up the drama factor beyond what even Ferrari can provide, then look no further than Lamborghini and the Huracan Spyder. This thing definitely looks the part of an outrageous shark-nosed supercar, with taut, geometric muscle lines from front to back. It also goes like one too, mounting a 5.2-liter V-10 producing over 600 horsepower. Routed to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the run to 62 mph takes 3.4 seconds, with top speed pegged at 201 mph. Pricing is once again a bit above that of the Porsche, starting at $219,780 and ranging as high as $274,390.

Read our full review of the 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder.

Final Thoughts

Despite its outrageously low and wide stance, high-powered engine package, and speed-tastic performance potential, the 911 Turbo has traditionally been seen as the more “sensible” supercar, especially against the competitors from Italy. The styling is most definitely a bit more subdued, and it’s also modestly more practical, both in terms of comfort, ease-to-drive, and price.

However, at the same time, the 911 Turbo still has the gumption to run with Raging Bulls and Prancing Horses if you put your foot down. And that’s a potent combination, no matter what way you look at it.

The latest 992-era 911 Turbo looks to once again bring all this good stuff to the table. We can’t wait to see it finally bow.

References

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Porsche 911.

Read our full review on the current 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo.

Read more Porsche news.

Update History

Updated 07/18/2019: The upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible has been caught testing once again, this wearing a cool red top!

Update 04/2/2019:We Caught the 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible Testing in the wild again - check out the latest images in our spy shots section below.

Updated 12/05/2018: Our spy photographers caught the 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible playing in the snow. Check out the gallery below to see what's new.