The next-generation Porsche 911 (998) Cabriolet is coming along quite nicely as these spy pictures will attest. Taken during some hot weather testing the images show a slightly longer body made to increase rear seat space. The front end features 997-style headlights which are raised to meet safety regulations.

Expect to see radical changes to the rear lights where LED technology will be used. That massive camouflage rear spoiler won't make production; it's just there to hide the real deal. The current hard-top bug sweeping other supercar makers has not yet bitten Porsche. Thus only the traditional canvass is to be fitted on the roof.

The 911 Cabriolet is one of the most expensive and exclusive 911s in the range. As such very high technologies like the 7-speed PDK transmission and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) are to be employed. All performance indicators will be improved with the next-generation, including top speed, fuel economy, C02 emissions and handling.
Almost every 911 model in the current range has a Cabriolet version, from the Carrera up to the Turbo. The latter makes a heady 368kW (500hp) and does 0 - 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Source - Worldcarfans.com

 

i hate these new int'l rules, I extermely hate side mirrors bolted on the doors rather than the small square section near the a frame......

 

Agreed.

 

So, the 998 (assuming that's the next 911's name) is scheduled to come out in 2011, 1 year after the 997.2 TT (The current re-fresh we are reading about with the new motor, PDK etc) comes out? I don't think so.........(My $ is for a complete new 911 model to come out closer to 2013)

 

hmmmm, not impressed ...

 

Plus, they've gotta do new Boxsters and Caymans if they plan on continuing the shared structures...

 

hmm this is a new pic? the test mule looks like the one used to develop the 2010.

2010 already has LED rear lights. what gives?

 

+1
Highly unlikely.


+1

Yeah, this mule looks like the mule used to disguise the duck-tailed 911 Sports Classic...

 

Agreed x10. And don't forget, every new car will have a ballooned front end due to new pedestrian safety regulations. You know, because it's up to the driver to be responsible for idiots who run out into the road or jaywalk. The headlights also have to be higher? Why? Leave it up to the governments of the world to impose more rules & regulations that don't add up to jack in the real world...

But mirrors and a few other touches aside, I'm kinda diggin' it.

On a side note, I have the October issue of the British magazine "Car" at home and I believe on page 128(not sure exactly) there is what I believe to be a flippant comment from the author stating that the Mercedes Benz SLS Black Series will compete with the 630 HP next-gen GT2. Obvoiusly speculation, but wouldn't that be awesome if there is some truth to that?