the 998 is not the front engined GT car everyone is speculating about, it's the next new 911 after the 997 (yet to come) -- it will appear probably 4 years after the 997 and will be a complete new 911, but with a rear engine for sure. there are rumours about an optional 8 cylinder engine for the 998 -- the rear seats have to go then. maybe a retractable roof (like merc's SL/SLK) will be introduced for the 998 convertibles as well. porsche is doing research on this for a long time now.