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A new generation of the iconic Porsche 911 is in the works, one that's bigger, roomier, more efficient and of course, more powerful than the one it replaces. We're talking about the new 2012 Porsche 911 that's set to go on sale early next year, a prototype of which has been spotted testing in Germany by our sleuth spy photographer.
This is the first time that the 2012 Porsche 911 Targa model has been spotted, revealing that for the new '991' generation of the car, the glass roof will simply slide back and remain on top of the car, acting almost like a rear spoiler. This setup should improve storage space in the car and perhaps also aerodynamics.
Other than the roof system, the new Porsche 911 Targa should essentially be the same as the 911 Carrera or 911 Carrera 4 depending on whether the customer selects the wider track version.
Another big change will be the adoption of a 'downsized' 3.4-liter flat-six engine with direct injection technology, which should output 350 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Performance 'S' variants of the 911 should feature a 3.8-liter version of this engine, which in basic trim is expected to develop upwards of 400 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, a new seven-speed manual transmission is expected to be offered alongside the existing seven-speed PDK dual clutch unit.
Look for the debut of the regular 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera Convertible at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show this September, with the new 911 Targa to debut shortly after.
This is the first time that the 2012 Porsche 911 Targa model has been spotted, revealing that for the new '991' generation of the car, the glass roof will simply slide back and remain on top of the car, acting almost like a rear spoiler. This setup should improve storage space in the car and perhaps also aerodynamics.
Other than the roof system, the new Porsche 911 Targa should essentially be the same as the 911 Carrera or 911 Carrera 4 depending on whether the customer selects the wider track version.
Another big change will be the adoption of a 'downsized' 3.4-liter flat-six engine with direct injection technology, which should output 350 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Performance 'S' variants of the 911 should feature a 3.8-liter version of this engine, which in basic trim is expected to develop upwards of 400 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, a new seven-speed manual transmission is expected to be offered alongside the existing seven-speed PDK dual clutch unit.
Look for the debut of the regular 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera Convertible at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show this September, with the new 911 Targa to debut shortly after.