Last time we checked on Manny Khoshbin, he had taken delivery of his rare, one-of-12 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren HDK. Built by McLaren's MSO division, the HDK was parked next to his other nine SLRs. It's been just a week since we saw the HDK arriving at Manny's mansion, and the real estate entrepreneur took delivery of yet another limited-edition sports car. This time around, it's the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition.
And as it happened with most of the Porsches in his collection, Mr. Khoshbin drove to Porsche Newport Beach to get it and immediately took it for a joyride. While it's nowhere near as powerful as the many Bugatti, McLaren, and Pagani supercars he owns, the GTS America Edition made quite an impression on Manny. Not surprisingly, given all the extra features the limited-edition drop-top comes with.
Announced in the summer of 2022, the 992-based cabriolet was designed as a tribute to the 356 America Roadster, which was introduced for the 1953 model year. A more affordable, lightweight version of the regular 356 created specifically for the US market, the America Roadster was stripped of all non-essential features and fitted with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine rated at 70 horsepower, 30 more than the previous 356.
The America Roadster quickly inspired the more iconic 356 Speedster, which eventually replaced it in showrooms. The former went out of production after only 16 units were built, which makes it one of the rarest 356 models ever made. The GTS America Edition is also a tribute to the 964-generation America Roadster, launched in 1992 to celebrate the nameplate's 40th anniversary.
What makes the GTS America Edition unique? Well, the Porsche Exclusive package is extensive and starts with a bespoke color called Azure Blue 356. Obviously inspired by the 356 America Roadster, the hue is complemented by decals in white and Guards Red and RS Spyder Design wheels in white, silver, and red. The drop-top also features a satin back windshield frame and model designation badges in white and Guards Red.
The special treatment continues inside the cabin with red and grey cross stitching on the door panels and upper dashboard and "America" lettering embossed on the leather center console. The GTS also features unique illuminated door sill plates, white gauges, and red seat belts.
The America Edition comes with the standard GTS engine, but that's not an issue since the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter flat-six cranks out a healthy 473 horsepower and 420 pound-feet (570 Nm) of torque. The mill mates to a seven-speed manual gearbox for a combo Manny is very fond of. With this transmission, the GTS Cabriolet hits 60 mph (97 kph) in 4.2 seconds toward a top speed of 193 mph (310 kph). Porsche made only 115 examples.
But that's enough specs for today. It's time to hit the play button below to see and hear the GTS America Edition run at full blast.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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