2005 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Preview

A Really Quick Tan

Winter is officially here, and with it comes cold mornings, slippery roads and dark skies filled with snowflakes, at least where

Porsche doesn't care that winter has just officially started, they've introduced next summer's most-wanted convertible, the new 911 (997-type) Cabriolet. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

I live in Toronto. It's not exactly the best time of year to be thinking about open-topped cars, but Porsche seems to think otherwise, preparing for warmer times with the introduction of next summer's most-wanted convertible, the new 911 (997-type) Cabriolet.

The new droptop is the latest addition to Porsche's model offence for 2005, coming just a few short months after the introduction of the all new Boxster and the announcement of the new 911 Coupe. Like the fixed-top variant, the Cabrio will be available in one of two models starting with the standard Carrera, featuring a 3.6L 325-horsepower horizontally-opposed six cylinder, or the S model which gets a

Like the Coupe, the Cabrio will be available in one of two models, the standard 325-hp Carrera or the 355-hp S model. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

bigger 3.8L engine that produces 355 horsepower.

To deliver the same refinement and capabilities as the Coupe, Porsche has strengthened the Cabriolet's chassis, improving its structural rigidity. Extra reinforcements were made throughout the body to combat chassis flex, and to keep the car stable in the event of a collision.

Standard on the Carrera S and optional on the Carrera is Porsche's new Active Suspension Management system (PASM), featuring dampers which adapt to the conditions of the road, furthering the car's driving potential.