MotorAuthority

Spy shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 Carrera takes to the 'Ring

Posted Thu Apr 2 2009 7:02 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Clear differences between the 998 and the current 997 models are the more upright headlights and slightly longer body

The current 997 Porsche 911 is still being updated for its mid-cycle refresh, with only the standard Carrera, Carrera 4, and Targa, and GT3 receiving the update. Still in the works are the new Turbo and the GT2 models, though they too are drawing near to their expected unveiling. Last year a test mule was spotted in Germany by our spy photographers, confirming that Porsche engineers are already well underway testing the next-generation 998 model, and soon after that Porsche's chief of research and development, Wolfgang Dürheimer, revealed some details of what to expect for the next-gen 911. Now we have new images of the 911 Carrera doing some high speed laps of Germany’s Nurburgring circuit.

Speaking of the new car, Dürheimer said, "'it will be even more competent, even sexier, even more unique. The design can of course only be evolutionary, but beneath the skin, almost anything is possible," reports CAR magazine. The 998 version of the car, known internally as 'project 991', will feature a few radical departures from the 911's long-running classical styling.

The changes are out of necessity more than anything, but they will be noticeable. First, pedestrian protection rules in the EU will require a change to the nose section of the car, likely meaning a larger and more collapsible bumper section. The rear of the car will also be changed, but for aerodynamic improvement.

Clear differences between the 998 and the current 997 model are the more upright headlights, a slightly longer body, and the side mirrors now positioned at the side of the doors and not at the window.

Other new features for the car will include heavy use of lightweight carbon-fiber materials and active aerodynamics - surfaces that react to what the car is doing, and how fast it's doing it. Expect adjustable front and rear spoilers plus dynamically opening and closing air intakes.

It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards. The new PDK dual-clutch gearbox will also carry over as will a standard six-speed manual. Rumors of a possible four-cylinder addition to the 911 lineup, effectively bringing back the 912, and the revival of the 914 are shaking things up, however, at this point nearly anything seems possible.

According to Dürheimer, the next 911 won't make sales floors until late 2011, but we expect to see much more of the car from spy photographers as it develops. Click here for more shots of the high-performance Turbo model and the Cabrio.

Story Tags:

• 2011 Porsche 911
• 2011 Porsche 911 Cabrio
• 998 Porsche 911
• Coupes
• Porsche
• Porsche 911
• Porsche 911 Cabrio
• Porsche prototype
• Project 991
• Spy shots
• Wolfgang Dürheimer

Reader Comments

• Fri Sep 12 2008 1:39 AM

  NoNameDenton says

  I read on another site there might be a CVT, heresy I say

• Mon Mar 30 2009 8:42 PM

  WizardsLore says

  Say hello to the 959 ....only 20 odd years later :D

• Thu Apr 2 2009 9:06 AM

  laszlo says

  Bring on the 959!

• Thu Apr 2 2009 10:32 AM

  Gus says

  "design can of course only be evolutionary"
  
  Do ya think so?
  
  Now I'm curious, after the 997 comes the 998, and then after the 999 comes whatm the 1000?

• Thu Apr 2 2009 12:15 PM

  NC2010 says

  I can't tell from these photos, but I keep waiting for Porsche to ditch their "mini-van" door handles and exposed longitudinal roof seams for something more fitting a $70k automobile. Small things maybe, but when every VW or Audi has more upscale handles and body fabrication, it really detracts from the overall effect.

• Thu Apr 2 2009 3:44 PM

  Gus says

  The longitudinal roof lines are there to mount ski and bike racks, most likely. Europeans think nothing of strapping things like this to their supercars for the weekend...

• Thu Apr 2 2009 4:14 PM

  NC2010 says

  Quote:

  Originally Posted by Gus
  The longitudinal roof lines are there to mount ski and bike racks, most likely.
  
  
  VW's can do that too. Just doesn't have the clamp holes built in as a flip-up panel.
  
  VWAG has invested in the modern equipment that allows a beautiful flush continuous weld instead having to cover the seam with a separate piece.
  
  But Porsche isn't the only German company that hasn't updated their body plant. MB, & BMW still use the old tech seam construction too.
  
  VWAG invested in this technology over 10 years ago.