2005 Porsche 911 Preview

While the current 911 is already one of the best handling cars in the world, Porsche has nevertheless reworked the

Having taken criticism in the past for its interiors, Porsche has upgraded the new 911's cabin. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

chassis for improvements in ride quality and at-the-limit adhesion. As part of the upgrades, a new active suspension system is available - standard on the S model.

Having come under scrutiny for its interior quality, Porsche has upgraded the new 911's cabin as well. Gone is the Boxster-style "floating" instrument cluster, replaced by a gauge package fully integrated into the dash. Plastics quality looks to be improved as well, necessary since the Cayenne came on the scene, upstaging its more expensive sibling in this particular category.

The new Carrera also features a more fully-featured navigation system with

The new Carrera and Carrera S should arrive in showrooms in the final quarter of this year, with base prices of $101,400 and $115,650 respectively. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

large LCD display, appearing much like that in the Cayenne. It integrates harmoniously into a revised center stack, which features an aluminum surface treatment. More metal brightwork can be seen throughout the rest of the cabin, including the vent surrounds, bezel of the circular analog clock at dash central, spokes of the completely revised steering wheel, which incidentally now incorporates multi-function controls, and the trim around the base of the shift lever.

Expect 2005 911 models to arrive in Porsche showrooms across the country in Q3 of this year, with an MSRP of $101,400 (USD$69,300) for the Carrera and $115,650 (USD$79,100) for the Carrera S.