If there were ever a vehicle with a mixed bag of information, this one would be on top. Porsche's mid-cycle facelift is apparently off, and the launching of the new 911 is pushed forward a bit.

At a quick glance you might think this is a prototype of the current car, but its not: In fact, this is an early prototype of the future 911 Carrera Cabrio.

Under the cleverly disguised body, this prototype carries the completely new mechanics including new engines and new chassis. If you study the pictures closely you'll recognize the coverings placed over the front and rear wings, disguising the true shape of the new car. However, it is clearly visible that the next generation 911 will get circular headlamps, while turn signals and fog lights will be mounted in the bumper rather than built into the headlight units.

After strong criticism regarding the shape of the current headlamps, Porsche is returning to the traditional 911 face for the new model.

Like their predecessors, the upcoming 911 and Boxster will again share major components, although the designs will even further separate the two models.

The new 911 Carrera will be yet another evolutionary sportscar, yet a step back into the tradition of the 911 design with obvious interpretation -- not just around the headlamps, but also obvious with the roofline, rear wings and rear side windows. This is clearly a successor to earlier 911's.

Power will continue to come from a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer in the rear, delivering around 335 HP in the normally aspirated Carrera and some 440 HP in the Turbo. The V8 -- rumored to be available in the upcoming model -- will not be offered after all.

The 911 Cabrio will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, one year after the coupe which is to debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Show.

------------------

I am shocked to see Porsche going back to the pre-996 design cues with circular headlamps. I love it however :thumbup: I can't wait to see what they do with this baby.