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Car Magazine have reveal us pictures of the next 911 a car that must beat the Nissan GT-R and Audi R8 if Stuttgart is to hold its head up high. Both cars in our exclusive pictures are prototypes, using current generation bodywork, but each mule clearly features widened front and rear tracks.
To find out how Porsche plans to best its rivals CAR Magazine has sat down with Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer. He's spilled the beans on everything from active aerodynamics, composite complex chassis and future tie-ups within the VW Group.
So is it evolution or revolution for the new Porsche 911, Boxster and Cayman?
It is evolution for the facelifted Boxster and Cayman, both of which are due within the next six months. The revised Boxster will be unveiled at the LA motor show in November 2008, while the tweaked Cayman will appear early in 2009. Both models will receive direct-injection engine technology, seven-speed PDK gearboxes and minor interior and exterior tweaks in line with the new second-generation 997 911.
And the next-gen Porsche sports cars?
This is where things get interesting. Dubbed 981, the new Boxster (and its Cayman hard-top sibling) will share parts with the all-new 911, due in late 2011 and known internally as 991.
'It [the new 911] will be even more competent, even sexier, even more unique,' says Dürheimer. 'The design can of course only be evolutionary, but beneath the skin, almost anything is possible.
But surely Porsche must update the 911's styling?
Asked to name three styling elements that will change substantially compared to the 2008 vintage Dürheimer answers like a shot. 'There is no more need for old-fashioned protruding door mirrors, the pending pedpro [pedestrian protection] requirements will force us to make relatively obvious alterations to the nose of the car, and for aerodynamic reasons we are also going to reshape the rear end.
'But apart from these must-dos, we won't tamper with the proportions of a true classic.' In other words, you'll never mistake a 911 for anything else.
What about clever tech on Porsche's next range-topper?
One area where Porsche will implement plenty of fresh know-how is active aerodynamics. In addition to the extending tail spoiler (you can see the experimental set-up on the 911 in our spy photos), there will be an adjustable front spoiler, and we also may see selectively blocked air intakes.
The 911 Turbo may even feature a virtual ground effects floorpan, featuring active jet-vents integrated in the wheel arches, sources say. All the better to suck the car to the road for that Superglue effect.
And what will happen to the new PDK gearbox?
Transmission-wise Porsche's latest dual-clutch unit (PDK) is the gearbox of choice until 2018 and beyond. At the same time, a super-smooth, low-friction, fictitiously staggered seven-speed CVT may one day render the notchy manual 'box superfluous.
To find out how Porsche plans to best its rivals CAR Magazine has sat down with Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer. He's spilled the beans on everything from active aerodynamics, composite complex chassis and future tie-ups within the VW Group.
So is it evolution or revolution for the new Porsche 911, Boxster and Cayman?
It is evolution for the facelifted Boxster and Cayman, both of which are due within the next six months. The revised Boxster will be unveiled at the LA motor show in November 2008, while the tweaked Cayman will appear early in 2009. Both models will receive direct-injection engine technology, seven-speed PDK gearboxes and minor interior and exterior tweaks in line with the new second-generation 997 911.
And the next-gen Porsche sports cars?
This is where things get interesting. Dubbed 981, the new Boxster (and its Cayman hard-top sibling) will share parts with the all-new 911, due in late 2011 and known internally as 991.
'It [the new 911] will be even more competent, even sexier, even more unique,' says Dürheimer. 'The design can of course only be evolutionary, but beneath the skin, almost anything is possible.
But surely Porsche must update the 911's styling?
Asked to name three styling elements that will change substantially compared to the 2008 vintage Dürheimer answers like a shot. 'There is no more need for old-fashioned protruding door mirrors, the pending pedpro [pedestrian protection] requirements will force us to make relatively obvious alterations to the nose of the car, and for aerodynamic reasons we are also going to reshape the rear end.
'But apart from these must-dos, we won't tamper with the proportions of a true classic.' In other words, you'll never mistake a 911 for anything else.
What about clever tech on Porsche's next range-topper?
One area where Porsche will implement plenty of fresh know-how is active aerodynamics. In addition to the extending tail spoiler (you can see the experimental set-up on the 911 in our spy photos), there will be an adjustable front spoiler, and we also may see selectively blocked air intakes.
The 911 Turbo may even feature a virtual ground effects floorpan, featuring active jet-vents integrated in the wheel arches, sources say. All the better to suck the car to the road for that Superglue effect.
And what will happen to the new PDK gearbox?
Transmission-wise Porsche's latest dual-clutch unit (PDK) is the gearbox of choice until 2018 and beyond. At the same time, a super-smooth, low-friction, fictitiously staggered seven-speed CVT may one day render the notchy manual 'box superfluous.
