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Porsche is now just over a year away from launching its next-generation 911 and as can be seen by these latest spy shots, prototypes for the car appear to be almost complete. This latest prototype for the 911 Carrera coupe is already wearing the production head and tail-lamps, revealing new details such as the inclusion of LED indicators.
We first started seeing test-mules for the 2012 Porsche 911 back in 2008 and soon after that Porsche's chief of research and development, Wolfgang Dürheimer, revealed some details of what to expect for the new car.
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". The 2012 Porsche 911, 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 Europe 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 new model and the current 997 are the more upright headlights, 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 extensive 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 6-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.
We first started seeing test-mules for the 2012 Porsche 911 back in 2008 and soon after that Porsche's chief of research and development, Wolfgang Dürheimer, revealed some details of what to expect for the new car.
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". The 2012 Porsche 911, 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 Europe 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 new model and the current 997 are the more upright headlights, 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 extensive 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 6-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.
