In 1950, Max Hoffman began importing Porsche’s cars to the U.S. market, starting with the 356, and while the Stuttgart-built models experienced some success on American shores, Hoffman recognized a number of key differences between the wants and needs of buyers in the United States versus those in Europe. As a result, Hoffman convinced Porsche to produce a lightweight, more affordable version of the car in 1953, known as the 356 America Roadster — the model that helped Porsche ingratiate itself with the American motoring public. And with the 2023 model year marking the 70th anniversary since the launch of the 356 America Roadster, Porsche has opted to mark the occasion via a limited run of America Edition 911 Carrera Cabriolets.
Coming 30 years on the heels of Porsche’s earlier 964 America Roadster, this limited-edition, market-specific model is based on Porsche’s already immensely capable 992-gen 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet. Equipped with a seven-speed manual transmission and a rear-wheel-drive setup, this limited-edition version of the 911 Carrera GTS Cab retains the regular model’s 473-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter boxer six along with the 192-mph top speed and 3.4-second 0-60mph time that the engine affords. The America Edition also boasts Porsche Active Suspension Management Sport, the Sport Exhaust and the Sport Chrono packages, and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers biting down on cast-iron rotors all as standard, though Porsche is also offering numerous available upgrades such as carbon-ceramic brakes and rear-axle steering.
In addition to its well-optioned array of standard equipment, the America Edition Carrera GTS Cab further distinguishes itself from the regular model with a myriad of aesthetic tweaks that were designed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. Adorned in an Azure Blue 356 livery that’s based on the 1953 356 America Roadster, this LE model sports a satin black windshield frame, white RS Spyder Design Wheels with red pinstriping along the outer edge of the rim, special white and red “America” decals on the doors, red cross-stitching throughout, a matching instrument cluster, embossed “America” logos on the armrest, “911” stitching on the headrests, and unique illuminated door sill plates that commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 356 America Roadster. Each example is also sold with a matching 911-shaped vehicle key in Azure Blue 356 that comes in a bespoke, America-branded leather pouch with two-tone stitching.
Priced starting from $184,920, the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition is slated to roll into U.S. dealerships beginning in late 2022.
