The next-generation Porsche 911 (998) Cabriolet

"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 rest of the story at 2011 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Spied

The hight of the headlights is a put off, looking dangerously SUV rather than sports car.

Still call this crappolla. The cab would not come out for at least a year after the Coupe. Need to see a 998 first before I believe this.

The Cab has a top which more closely resembles a metal folding top covered in cloth to conceal it's true nature. The extended length of the wheel base has been reported by more than one source and would provide more space for the rear seats and accomodate a folding metal top in the Cab.

In a past Christophorus article, I recall reading the 911 Cabriolet was developed first since it, the coupe and the Targa are all slightly different in body (height, too), not just in their tops.

They did a good job on the cammo on the rear, because it sure looks ugly now.

That first picture reminds me of the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Definitely looks like they may have changed the roof as the roof line on this car is not the same as the current 997 Cab. Center section appears to be humped up and the rear windows appear smaller.

Or, maybe instead of making room for more rear seat space, they are making room for a mid-engine! Nah, I'm just dreaming.

Uh, what safety regulations??

Pedestrian safety standards. I don't get it. How were the old lights dangerous to pedestrians?

Does anyone know why the current style headlamps are considered a problem to pedestrians in Europe and are in need of changing?

Good question, probably another useless preempt law. Manufactures spend millions on designing crumble zones on cars, and all it takes is for a SUV to slam into you rendering the crumble zone useless & a threat to your life.

I just watched that Ultimate Factory show featuring Porsche. All the 911 cars start out the same on the line - the type car that is built is only determined when the rear panels are fitted - according to that show. Excellent show BTW - incredible to see how these cars (997.1s from the looks of the engines - no DFI) are built.

Not bad. Looks a bit like a CS.

Schwabe, Im with you......

My first thought would be "Oh look, a new Boxster."

Schwabe, +1:cheers:

that looks like a much bigger and more massive car to me. Looks nice but I bet it's a lot heavier and more in the GT direction unless power is substantially increased

I do agree on the GT direction as the longer wheelbase would suggest it. I see Porsche having three levels in their two door "sport" car lineup.... Cayman / Boxster (best true sports car of the bunch) 998 (GT with a leaning towards sport) New 928 (or whatever) top of line full bodied GT.