2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Porsche's 997 Carrera Cabriolet arrived in 2005, settling controversies with its heritage-inspired circular headlamps, a more powerful engine, chassis improvements, and a new cabin with tech upgrades.

Heritage-inspired design elements distinguish the 911 from other sports cars

Subtle styling cues, such as clean lines, a simple layout, a compact structure, and circular headlamps, pay homage to classic 911 models while embracing modern aesthetics.

45 percent reduced noise/vibration/harshness levels with lightweight suspension

Improved driving dynamics and chassis support with re-engineered suspension, with 1.18-inch front and 1.34-inch wider rear struts. The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management adaptive dampers provided sportier handling and ride comfort.

Classic circular headlights returned with the 997 generation in 2005

After widespread criticism from fans worldwide, Porsche redesigned the 997 generation of the 911 with its iconic circular headlamps, replacing the controversial "fried egg" design.

Open-air versatility with a lightweight power-folding soft top

The 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera's convertible roof opens or closes in just 20 seconds, even while driving up to 31 mph.

Sufficient muscle for effortless daily drives and high-spirited drives

Porsche revised the Carrera's 3.6-liter boxer-six engine with a new air filter, VarioCam plus technology, and mechanical tunings to unleash 325 horsepower and 273 pound-feet, 10 horses more than before.

Transmission of your choice!

A newly developed six-speed manual transmission with shorter gear ratios took charge of power mediation to the rear wheels, while a five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission was optional.

A rear-engine layout and the rear-wheel-drive system deliver the perfect recipe for purists

The traditional rear-drive layout offers engaging handling characteristics and excellent traction, whereas the rear-engine layout adds more visual drama and optimizes weight distribution.

More planted stance and improved handling with wider tracks

With a track width up to 0.8 inches wider at the front and 2.1 inches broader at the rear, the 997 Carrera Convertible demonstrated improved cornering performance and high-speed stability.

Improved aerodynamics with automatic extending rear spoiler

Automatically deployable at 70 mph, the rear wing not only adds more sportiness to the 911's design but also provides more downforce to keep it planted at high speeds.

Enriched track-devouring credentials with the Sport Chrono Plus package

This performance package massages the 911 with a Motronic engine management system and a digital/analog stopwatch to help drivers test the car's limits on tracks.

Promising braking power with upgraded brakes

12.53-inch front and 11.77-inch rear ventilated disc brakes offer sufficient slowing power for daily use, while optional Ceramic Composite brakes promise greater bite for high-speed sessions.

Improved comfort with redesigned front seats

The redesigned front seats aimed to reduce vibration to keep occupants comfortable during longer journeys. Power adaptive sports seats and a heated front row provided extra comfort during track sessions and winters.

Optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment suite to keep you connected

Porsche offered infotainment upgrades like a six-disc CD player and a PCM suite, the latter of which outfitted the cabin with a seven-inch display and navigation system.

High-quality audio experience with a new Bose audio set

A new infotainment feature for 2005, the optional Bose 13-speaker premium audio system treated audiophiles with a deeper sound quality, adding more finesse to open-air driving.