Interestingly, the side mirror design, similar to that of the Porsche Carrera GT supercar, channels air to reduce cabin noise while keeping the side glass free of dirt and moisture. The new bodywork also produces less lift, improves engine and brake cooling, and better keeps the front tires glued to the pavement. The rear spoiler automatically raises at 75 mph for reduced downforce and lowers at 50 mph for a cleaner appearance. The 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera’s body is also more rigid and resistant to flex.

Inside, a new interior includes upgraded materials and improved controls. Six airbags are standard, including two side head airbags that deploy from the tops of the windowsills. Other standard equipment on the 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera includes automatic climate control and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) complete with an upgraded nine-speaker audio system.

New seats absorb vibration better, and they’re wider to accommodate larger drivers. The seats are also mounted closer to the floor, and the pedals are further away. Standard seats on the 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera are manually adjusted for height, fore, and aft settings, with a power backrest perfecting the driving position. Optional are fully powered 12-way seats with memory, sport seats with firmer padding and thicker bolsters, or adaptive sport seats that combine full power adjustment with sport padding and bolsters.

Every Porsche 911 Carrera gets a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes for 2005, helping drivers to find a more optimum position for the task at hand. A multi-function steering wheel is also offered for the first time, standard on the S and optional on the base Carrera. Audio, navigation and telephone systems can be operated using the controls on the wheel. It can be trimmed to match the leather on the seats, or with either wood or carbon.