Porsche will reveal the all-new 911 in less than six months and more details emerge about the iconic German
sports car. Set to make its public premiere at the Los Angeles motor show this
November, the new Porsche 992 will set new standards in pretty much every
aspect, especially in terms of performance and technology.
Perhaps the most significant change over the
outgoing 991 generation is the adoption of a brand new scalable architecture,
which is said that it will be shared with the next-gen Audi R8 and Lamborghini
Huracan. Autocar reports that the new platform is made out of a range of
interchangeable modules, allowing the three VW Group sports cars to use it and
despite their obvious differences in the engine mounting department.
The new structure will use more aluminum than ever,
along with hot-formed high-strength steel in varying thicknesses within the
floor, making it stronger and stiffer than that of the outgoing Porsche 911. In
addition, the engine will be positioned inboard, offering the best weight
distribution in 911’s long history.
Porsche will start selling the base Carrera and
Carrera S models initially, which will continue using the turbocharged
3.0-liter flat-six unit of the current model. The engine will adopt a number of
changes for better performance and reduced emissions, including a new
particulate filter and revised turbo geometry.
Base Carrera models are reportedly going to gain up
to 20 hp, for a total of 390 hp, while the Carrera S will likely make up to
450 hp, a 30 hp increase over today’s 911. Both versions will be rear-driven as
standard, and offered with either the existing seven-speed manual or the
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
There’s a general feeling that the upcoming Porsche
992 will become the first 911 to be offered without a single naturally
aspirated engine in the range. Porsche remains silent on whether the GT3
version of the 992 will switch to a turbocharged powerplant, but Porsche
Motorsport insiders say that they are already working on an evolution of the
next 911 Turbo’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine for motorsport
activities.
Speaking about the Porsche 992 Turbo, the same
report says that it will offer as much as 600 hp in the range-topping Turbo S
version. The new 911 Turbo will also benefit from an updated four-wheel drive
system.
The most drastic change in 911’s history
will be the upcoming plug-in hybrid version. However, don’t expect it to show
up until closer to the mid-life facelift of the series. It is said that the
PHEV powertrain will combine the turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine with an
electric motor and a 11kWh battery pack for a combined 500 hp.