Friday 23rd February 2018

New Porsche 911 previewed

The n/a GT3's days are numbered, as turbocharging beckons for entire 911 range

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The oft repeated gripe with many modern sports cars is that all the technology and safety gubbins get in the way of the driving experience. So, despite its insistence that the driver will remain at the centre of proceeding, Porsche's announcement that autonomous and hybrid tech will soon feature in its upcoming 992 will be a concerning overture to many. The disguised 992 shown off by model director August Achleitner may only be a small step on from the current model design-wise, but it will take a huge leap technologically, with electrification not categorically ruled out - a hybrid 911 is said to be coming in 2020 spurred on by CO2 regulations.

We'll start with the biggest news. All engines throughout the range are expected to get power increases thanks to turbocharging, including the GT3. Yes, the days of the naturally aspirated GT3 are over. The Turbo S, meanwhile, is to borrow engine hardware from the current GT2 RS, with enough power (630hp) to trouble a Ferrari 488, though Porsche's engineers are said to have decided against a hybrid option in favour of weight savings for now. Even the more modest 911 Turbo will have 600hp, be able to crack 200mph and hit 62mph in under 3 seconds, whilst the rest of the 911 range will see power outputs between 380hp and 435hp.

As an evolution of the MMB platform which the current 911 is based on, the 992 also will have a wider front and rear track, making use of high-strength steel and aluminium to keep the weight down. The full-width wing we have seen in spy shots is a first, improving stability. Inside, changes are coming to the instrument binnacle with two digital screens protruding from either side of an analogue rev counter - an evolution of Audi's virtual cockpit - while spy shots have revealed a Panamera style screen and a smaller, less tactile gear selector. Behind the scenes, lane keep assist and other "convenient and useful things" will add a degree of autonomy to the new range, making small adjustments to the steering to keep the car between the white lines when active.

Talking about the impending changes, Achleitner reiterated that the 911 remains at the heart of the company. "We know where we are from and where we want to go... the decisive factor is that a 911 generates a driving feeling that no other can impart." On the subject of driver assistance features he continued, "the customer has to make the choice to use them and above all, be able to switch them off when they're not desired." For now, at least.

[Spyshots: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]

[sc0tt]

Why have they bothered with Camo

[Plug Life]

Funny pic, men in suits fondling a car in bad camo wrap.

[MrBarry123]

sc0tt said:

Why have they bothered with Camo

Don't hold me to it however I think I've got a reasonably good idea of what it'll look like...

[kambites]

sc0tt said:

Why have they bothered with Camo

How else would you know it's a new 911?

[RamboLambo]

sc0tt said:

Why have they bothered with Camo

Because its another German tank.

Can't beat a big naturally aspirated engine in a supercar - Long live the naturally aspirated engine - that will be a Lamborghini then Sir.
Grab a n/a V10 Huracan Performante beast while you still can. Its a dying breed with gen II Huracan due soon and rumoured to be hybrid

[andy_s]

sc0tt said:

Why have they bothered with Camo

First thing I thought!

[Cold]

PorschetonHeads.

[ellesmereFNC]

If the driver of a Porsche or any car can’t concentrate enough keep between the white lines on the road then...
A...the shouldn’t have a Porsche or any car
B...be allowed to drive
C...been able to pass the driving test

[unsprung]

Plug Life said:

Funny pic, men in suits fondling a car in bad camo wrap.

Sort of Stuttgart engineers meet Story of O.

"Too much NVH? I'll show you the meaning of too much. Attach the tow bar!"

[epom]

Porsche really need to drop the 911, I mean its getting a bit long in the tooth now. All these little updates. Time to spend some cash on a brand new model.

[kambites]

epom said:

Porsche really need to drop the 911, I mean its getting a bit long in the tooth now. All these little updates. Time to spend some cash on a brand new model.

It doesn't exactly seem to be suffering from poor sales...

[Griffgrog]

epom said:

Porsche really need to drop the 911, I mean its getting a bit long in the tooth now. All these little updates. Time to spend some cash on a brand new model.

And VW the Golf?

[thiscocks]

Its not a GT3 if its got a turbo. Why cant they badge it differently? GT5 maybe?

[kambites]

thiscocks said:

Its not a GT3 if its got a turbo. Why cant they badge it differently? GT5 maybe?

Why? Some GT3 cars have been turobcharged for years haven't they? I don't think there's anything particularly linking GT3 to natural aspiration.

[kars]

RamboLambo said:

Because its another German tank.

Can't beat a big naturally aspirated engine in a supercar - Long live the naturally aspirated engine - that will be a Lamborghini then Sir.
Grab a n/a V10 Huracan Performante beast while you still can. Its a dying breed with gen II Huracan due soon and rumoured to be hybrid

Gallardo LP550-2 manual is the last great Lambo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N15v6CTcLN8

[Blink982]

Maybe BOTB should use this photo as a competition for spot the difference. I am a huge 911 fan but what's the point in the camo?

[GTEYE]

I'm waiting for the GT-D...

[Leonardo101]

Isn’t it about time Porsche did something radical like putting the 911 to a dignified death.
A truly awful outdated ugly piece of junk!

[myhandle]

thiscocks said:

Its not a GT3 if its got a turbo. Why cant they badge it differently? GT5 maybe?

In the original instance, the 911 GT1, GT2 and GT3 were to some degree related to the Porsche cars racing in those categories. Subsequent versions, and the Cayman GT4, are further removed from the racers but the general principle remains. If there was to be a GT5, it would need to be below the GT4 in the range.

[Dale487]

GTEYE said:

I'm waiting for the GT-D...

GT-T (the second T can stand for three or turbo)