Porsche 911 Turbo emerges

New superfast icon spy-shotted

Early mock-up not far from reality

The new Porsche 911 Turbo is in the open. Due to launch at the Geneva Show next February, Porsche's secret is out -- the car has been spy-shotted as it emerged from the company's factory gates.

The differences between it and the standard 997 are clear. The side scoops are replaced by large and deeper openings, plus a pair of bulging housings inside which sit high-intensity fog lamps. The parking lights and indicators, rather than sitting below the headlamps in the front valance are housed in slats that run across the side scoops.

The sills are more pronounced and, in the traditional manner, the Turbo grows air scoops ahead of the rear wheels for added cooling. At the rear, like the 996, the spoiler is almost a replica of the infamous duck-tail from the 1970s. There are also two air outlets outside of the trapezoidal exhaust vents, giving a more aggressive look than the rather meek-looking rear of the 996 Turbo.

Sadly, we can't publish actual pics for copyright reasons, but see the link below.

Inside the engine bay sits a 3.6-litre turbocharged version of what sources suggest will be a derivation of the 996's motor. This engine was itself evolved from Porsche’s Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 sports car programme, and was related to the engine used in the 993, the last, much-mourned air-cooled model.

Power outputs are uncertain, but some reports suggest 500bhp to all four wheels is possible, up 20 per cent on the outgoing model. More likely though is a lesser figure, given Porsche's penchant for careful, step-by-step improvements, rather than giant leaps into the unknown.

We can't wait...