Spy Shots: 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio

While "Porsche" and "Nürburgring" seem to go hand-in-hand, "911 Turbo Cabrio" and "Sweden in March" don't necessarily seem to be as good a match. They're more like the odd couple, really. However, if said Porsche is still not quite ready for prime time, then doing some winter weather testing in REALLY cold weather makes sense. Plus, it doesn't hurt that you'd be away from prying eyes -- at least most of the time. It seems the Brenda Priddy network of automotive shutterbugs has managed to capture the new 997 Turbo Cabriolet ahead of its official debut. There have been a few disguised prototypes and mules caught before now, but these are the first shots of a clean, unwrapped car. And it looks good. The Car Connection has the full size version of the image at right, as well as an illustration that looks pretty spiffy.
This newest all-wheel-drive convertible should share most of its mechanicals with the coupe, including that ripping twin-turbo, 3.6-liter flat-six. You know...the one that makes 480 smooth horsepower, all controlled with your right foot and your choice of either a six-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic. The Turbo Cab Tiptronic in 996 guise was Car and Driver's quickest Turbo ever before the 997 hit the scene, so don't scoff at the ragtop/slushbox combo. After all, it's still a Porsche Turbo.. The droptop might show up in Geneva this week (it's due in the Spring), but you can see it right now with a simple click. Expect pricing to start about 10 grand above the hardtop model's MSRP of $122,900.

[Source: The Car Connection]