SPIED: Porsche's New 911 Spotted During Winter Testing

Porsche's 911 has always been criticized as sticking to the same generic formula for far too long. And surprise! The 998 seems to continue the 911 tradition. But, why fix something that is not broken?

Spied doing some winter testing is the next generation 911, dubbed the 998. Said to be longer and wider, it is pretty evident if you look at the little details -- the C-pillar and rear windscreen -- that the car's proportions have been modified slightly.

Heavily camouflaged is the rear spoiler, which is going to inherit technology from the Panamera. Boy, do I wish they would bring back a 993-inspired "whale tail."

Autocar is expecting sales to begin in the summer of 2012.

Autocar reports:

"These are the latest spy pictures or Porsche’s next-generation 911 in winter testing.

The 998 model will replace the 997, which itself is just a thorough facelift of the previous 996 model. Construction will be a mix of steel and aluminium, and some components will be shared with the smaller Cayman and Boxster to keep costs down.

The disguise indicates that styling changes will be kept to a minimum, but Porsche sources have previously told Autocar that almost every panel will be new. The only carry-over parts will be the frameless doors from the cabriolet version..."


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GTR35 - 1/27/2010 4:08:11 PM

+2 Boost

yup, sure looks longer and wider. I like the curves.

supermoto - 1/27/2010 4:26:42 PM

+2 Boost

Summer 2012? That is a loooooong way away.

pcar4evr - 1/27/2010 5:04:15 PM

+2 Boost

In the 997.2 Carreras, the DFI engine sits a little lower than in the 997.1 improving center of gravity - betcha in this 998 with a longer wheelbase the engine moves forward a bit.

thstone - 1/27/2010 5:29:26 PM

+5 Boost

Wait! This is an acutal AUTOSPY story?

Need4Speed - 1/28/2010 10:41:28 AM

+3 Boost

"..theres no place like home. theres no place like home..."

LOL!

Type707 - 1/27/2010 11:24:26 PM

+3 Boost

Looks like it got more beef. I like it.

chemo - 1/28/2010 8:42:35 AM

+2 Boost

meet the new boss, same as the old boss

Need4Speed - 1/28/2010 10:44:07 AM

+2 Boost

Can anyone confirm if they actually moved the engine ahead of the rear wheels to improve handling?...can't remember where I read that...might have been someone trying to start a rumor I guess

mpwr - 1/28/2010 12:34:57 PM

+3 Boost

make you wonder why they bother to cammo, is there ever really a big change?

Just gets sexier with every new update!

bmwdrvr - 1/28/2010 12:49:58 PM

+2 Boost

Ive always liked the 911 but I dont get why Porsche insist on making each new generation look like the last. They keep the same formula rear engined, rear wheel drive 2+2 sports car without having to make it seem as if the styling is never changes

thstone - 1/28/2010 4:27:11 PM

+2 Boost

Its incredible how Porsche can keep this (basically) same design looking fresh and modern decade after decade.

I wish they offered the same service for wives. The existing one is a classic, but...

JCJ3 - 12/28/2010 8:39:45 PM

+1 Boost

Turning radius is no longer that of a VW Beatle; fore and aft on bumps more stable. Other than that, the footprint goes from that of an Escort to that of a Taurus. Why? Because the Great White Father in Washington had the EPA set average mileage per manufacturer at 25 mpg in 2025. That means a Taurus footprint as larger than an Escort also gets less mileage. Read this as as pathetic acquiescence to the Progressive Hybird Greenies. In short, 2011 is the last year of the Porsche Muscle Cars. FYI, most owners of Porsche dealerships have ordered Turbo S's to stuff into their personal garages as a species investment.