Does The Next Porsche 911 Cabriolet HAVE To Have A Retractable Roof Like The BMW M3?

I've been driving the new BMW M3 Convertible for about 10 days now and the more I drive it, the more I think there CAN'T be a BETTER convertible anywhere on this planet.

It's sexy, has all the power you'll ever need, comes with all the latest electronic toys (bluetooth, nav traffic, ipod, etc.), is comfortable and has that heritage/mystique/vibe so many companies strive to get.

But as much as I like M3's, I also LOVE the Porsche 911.

Just about everytime in my life I've been in the market for a sports car (A LOT!), it usually has come down to deciding between the BMW or the Porsche.

But if I was in market right now for one of the two, I'd have to give the nod to the M3 for one main reason.

The retractable hardtop, not offered on the 911.

Now I know my good friends at Porsche preach to me when I've asked that when it's truly about performance. the heavier roof takes its toll.

And a brand like Porsche always thinks performance first.

I can understand their viewpoint but I respectfully disagree and I'll tell you why.

Have you ever seen the drivers of the M3 convertible or the 911 Cabriolet?

Do you honestly think THOSE buyers are more about performance or image?

If it's all about performance and the track, then you buy a coupe.

So I don't think Porsche would be abandoning their performance reputation, by offering the next 911 with a retractable roof.

I think THEY have to.

Because if you survey most of the potential customers, they will tell you a company that has a convertible with a canvas roof in 2010, is old-fashioned and leaning OLD MAN CAR.

So what is your opinion?

Does the next 911 need a retractable roof to be a success in the marketplace?

And Porsche, while you're at it, look at the roof on the EOS.

Maybe on the next 911, you should offer a similar setup that allows full top down or large open sunroof option on the same roof like the EOS.

You could even combine two models if you did that and call the next one the 911 Targa Cabriolet.

In the meantime while you're thinking about your answer, enjoy the photos I took of the BMW M3 Convertible.

2009 BimmerFest Photo Gallery

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Photo Gallery

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WorldofLuxury - 5/11/2009 2:34:49 AM

+1 Boost

I'd make the roof into a spoiler when folded down!

...and because it's a Porsche, I can think of so many other ways the mechanisms of the folding hardtop can work.

MBKing - 5/11/2009 3:05:56 AM

+1 Boost

I wonder how much more space a hard top convert takes over the cloth top, just thinking that you're not going to have that much room when there's an engine back there as well. I agree that hard top converts look much better, and that cloth are becoming dated, however I don't agree that convertible loving porsche drivers don't care about performance. When I think of the drivers that you are referring to 001 I think of SL drivers. Fair enough that they probably won't take them to the track (I can't remember the last time I saw a drop top with the top down at the track) but it does matter.
To be fair though, just thinking of a hard top convertible turbo makes me tear up a little, it would be incredible.

Yonder7 - 5/11/2009 6:51:53 AM

+1 Boost

Is not gona happen...BMW and Mercedes use to have trunk , 911 does not have one in the rear end and also won´t be good for performance. You can see the SL Black Series and they get rid off the retractable roof due weight issues.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 5/11/2009 7:48:14 AM

0 Boost

001 if you turn off the Music in the M3 and listen at over 100mph you can hear wind noise coming through the gaps in the roof panels especially the gap between roof and Top of A Pillars, you do not have that problem in the Porsche Soft Top.

When Driving the M3 you can FEEL the difference in Weight distribution when roof is UP/Down{ Better when Down}. You cannot feel this in the Porsche.

Then there is the small problem of the fact that Porsche has its Powerplant in the rear so no space for that Space-Consuming Folding Hard Top.

Finally. The OLD MAN CAR response might come from young and stupid american buyers but the 30+ aged buyers know better and account for far more sales than the Sub 30 and No European will fault the Soft Top.

Agent001 - 5/11/2009 12:12:35 PM

+2 Boost

Remember, I said the the people who care about wringing out the last ounce of performance will opt for the coupes.

But do the majority of CONVERTIBLE buyers care more about performance or style/image?

I think they are two different customers, that's all.

I think they can offer two solutions and keep everyone happy.

Speaking to dealers, you'd be surprised HOW MANY customers walk from the canvas top cars over to retractable hardtops.

Especially buyers under 50.

001

Agent001 - 5/11/2009 12:13:49 PM

+2 Boost

And there is no wind noise coming in at high speeds on mine.

001

PUGPROUD - 5/11/2009 8:34:00 AM

+1 Boost

The retractable hard top that answers all concerns (weight, space. etc) and provides all benefits is on display on a Miata !

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 5/11/2009 11:09:26 AM

+1 Boost

Miata is a 2 seater hence the design is quite simple to implement
Miata Engine is Up Front

pcar4evr - 5/11/2009 9:07:02 AM

+1 Boost

You said:

"I think THEY have to.

Because if you survey most of the potential customers, they will tell you a company that has a convertible with a canvas roof in 2010, is old-fashioned and leaning OLD MAN CAR."

My comment: Lucky you're the boss, and no one can fire you.

schnell330i - 5/11/2009 10:58:49 AM

+1 Boost

nah i dont think they HAVE to, especially since it would be so easy for them to pull their "classic sports car virtues" card as they have for decades, due to their reluctance to change (not saying thats necessarily a bad thing). I think they will keep the soft top not only for the lower weight and packaging, but for some of the same reasons the bentley and rolls vert have: the romanticism and character only a soft top can offer. With that said, I think eventually most if not all convertibles will be retractables as better materials are used and it becomes more of an engineering priority to keep the car competitive. And since most tracks restrict soft tops from getting on the track, I think there would be a huge market for a porsche retractable hard top even if it added just a few pounds. As much as i dislike the car, I think it was smart of Chrysler to offer the sebring with both options.

LexSucks - 5/11/2009 12:16:10 PM

+1 Boost

If the car will spend most of its time with the top up then use a hard-top. If the car will spend most of its time with the top down (a la' Ferrari F430 convertible). Then a soft-top isn't bad.

Any car other than the 2 seater exotics should use a retratable hard-top. Cloth (just like wood) doesn't belong on the exterior of a car. It just looks out of place.

SHOWTIME - 5/11/2009 12:17:47 PM

+1 Boost

001, I believe you've driven the 335i as well?

I've been thinking of getting into a 335i lease in a few months and the other day I sat in an M3 and it just made me not wanna think about any other car out there. So it would be to either wait another year and buy a used E92 M3 or lease a 335i now. I'm not worried about power cuz most likely I will chip the 335i, but aside from that, is the M3 drive that much different that it's worth the wait and loose out on a brand new 335i lease? (I prefer to lease so I can switch often)...or do they feel similar? anyone else feel free to comment:)

Agent001 - 5/11/2009 12:54:49 PM

+1 Boost

Tough question.

Can't go wrong wither way and mileage is better on 335 and around town more comfortable than the M.

But the M looks nicer and more special.

So I guess if most of your driving is to the supermarket and around town I'd get the 335 but if you get to drive the back roads a lot and long highway stretches, go M.

But if I were going M, I would buy used.

I'm seeing 08's in the 50's on eBay.

001

SHOWTIME - 5/11/2009 4:46:05 PM

+1 Boost

Thanks for the input. Yes I've been watching some go in the high 40s as well but 08 models are mostly stick and I really want DCT :)

lol another question for you...

Used M5 or used E92 M3?

DiamondJim - 5/12/2009 3:42:02 PM

+1 Boost

nice input!

JCH335i - 5/11/2009 1:50:19 PM

+1 Boost

Get a 911 regardless, i had a 335 coupe that i had chipped and it was great... until i got myself a 997 Carrera S... night and day difference!

The bottom line is that the M3 is based upon an economy car; the 911 has been purpose built sports car since day one.

I am in love.

dlin - 5/11/2009 3:48:48 PM

+1 Boost

In a way I agreed w/ you.

Porsche won't make a hard top unless it's made of carbon fiber. This distinguish a sports car maker from those of sport sedans.

SHOWTIME - 5/11/2009 4:23:11 PM

+1 Boost

Lots of you won't agree with me on this, but I test drove the 09 Cayman S and I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be. It has lots of cool factors and all, but I thought the cabin was a bit too noisy for my taste...and in all honesty the initial steering response and ratio did not win me over my G37. Perhaps on the track it would be a different story but I don't plan on going there anytime soon. I'm starting to think Porsche is a bit overrated because the M3 can spank the Cayman S and the Carrera on the track and in my opinion looks better and can carry 4 people...not to mention that it can also be a smooth quiet cruiser.

schnell330i - 5/11/2009 2:57:54 PM

0 Boost

1. the M3 drives completely differently than the 335i (not that the 335i drives bad at all) but the M3 is just a completely different animal. My advice: dont test drive the M3 or you'll want one

2. and JCH335i, correct me if im wrong, but wasnt porsche born from the economy car of economy cars, the Beetle??? since day one??

SHOWTIME - 5/11/2009 4:41:57 PM

0 Boost

lol come on man!! drives completely different than the 335i? I know the suspension is suppossed to be 5lbs lighter on each side but don't see how that can change the drive completely. As far as the engines go, I feel that both have it's ups and downs. 335i chipped has much more torque and much better fuel economy and M3 has high revving race engine with better response and top of the line DCT tranny.

Obviously for the same price I'd choose the M3 anyday. But it comes down to driving a new leased 335i that I can beat the hell out of and return it or get a used m3 and have to baby it a little and obviously pay more. Tough choice :(

PUGPROUD - 5/11/2009 8:46:56 PM

+1 Boost

Porsche has some of the greatest auto engineers on the planet...if they really wanted a retractable hardtop on the 911 I'm sure they could find a solution within acceptable paramaters. Personally I don't see the need for rear seats that only a two year old can fit in. Also while I'm no fan of the vehicle you will be surprised if you closely examine how little space the retractable hardtop on a Chevy SSR truck takes.

M_Motorsport - 5/12/2009 9:28:02 AM

+1 Boost

NO, It would not hurt to have it as an option but it turns it into a weight issue. Plus it will bring the Porsche Carrera S loaded with a hardtop into the $115K+ range at least. A BMW M3 Cab went from $52K base price for the previous soft top to around $80K for the current model.

schnell330i - 5/12/2009 12:56:49 PM

+1 Boost

showtime, ive driven both of them, and that is my opinion: every aspect of the M3 is better than the 335i, making it feel like you are driving a COMPLETELY different car. Im sure someone who has driven both can chime in and agree with that statement

topcover - 5/15/2009 8:29:02 AM

+1 Boost

A retractable hard top looks better? I'm sorry no way, no how! A convertible is supposed to look like one, not a coupe wannabe. Higher repair costs for cars with RHT's in accidents versus the same car with a soft top. Need some trunk space? Dont look for this in any RHT vehicle. Want to add a few pounds to the weight of your car, buy a RHT. Sorry, I'm definately biased towards soft tops, which is what a "true" convertible is all about.