IF Porsche Could Start ALL OVER With The 911, Is The Mercedes-AMG GT The Car Porsche Would Create?

More than 50 years ago, Porsche built the 911. Fast forward 50 years and the vehicle has grown its footprint, and power is at the most insane level that was probably NEVER imagined back in the 1960s.

Although it has proven itself on the street and on the race track, it's taken a lot of engineering for this remarkable product to defeat the fact its engine is in the wrong place.

Looking at the 911 now, it seems that there isn't much room left for it to become a better product. The latest word on the street suggests that most of the 911 variants will receive a turbo in the next refresh. To me, this is a bit of a bummer. Its naturally aspirated powerplants are, in my opinion, the BEST.

Being AutoSpies, this got us thinking: If Porsche were to do a clean-sheet design of a car priced like the 911, would it have created something like the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT?

It just seems like the latest three-pointed star may have a better opportunity to be an outrageous sports car that has room for its engine to be upgraded in the coming years and it will be reasonably well balanced with its long nose — assuming the motor is pushed as far back and low as we've seen Ferrari do with its front-engined V12s.

What say YOU, Spies?


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2014 Los Angeles Auto Show #LAAS

valhallakey - 11/28/2014 8:16:04 PM

+5 Boost

I say no way, clean sheet design would have ended up as a more powerful Cayman.

pcar4evr - 11/29/2014 2:15:19 AM

+4 Boost

Well, Porsche had a clean sheet design, long nosed, front engined V8, the 928. It was supposed to be the replacement for the 911 - it has been gone for the past 20 years.

PUGPROUD - 11/29/2014 8:19:11 AM

+2 Boost

This type of question belongs with others of its kind...If I could have changed my DNA at birth would I grow up to be Brad Pit or Bill Gates? or
If the inventor of the ukulele had a degree in electrical engineering would he have invented the electrical guitar instead of Les Paul? Porsche has a rich naturally evolved heritage of engineering design and success. Mercedes does too but from a completely different direction and motivation. They should be appreciated for what they are and how they got here not subject to this kind of questioning. Just saying.

MDarringer - 11/29/2014 10:24:44 AM

-3 Boost

They tried with the 928 but the dimwit Porsche customers crapped their pants that the Super Beetle might be replaced.

bperlow - 11/30/2014 1:21:24 AM

+2 Boost

There are advantages to the 911s design. Yes the back has more weight, but it allows the car to have a smaller wheelbase(I think it has the magical 99" or close to it) puts more weight on the back tires for traction. Its also a good design to implement AWD. I personally would love to see a return to the lighter weight cars with aircooling. As great as the 911 is, it hasnt been the same since watercooling. Id love to see a return of the 944/968. A BMW 235 fighter would be nice. No electric seats just light and nice, and "affordable".

MDarringer - 12/1/2014 10:06:38 AM

-2 Boost

Even with the band aid of AWD, the 911 requires an experienced driver at the limit because it WILL swap ends. Quite frankly the Stingray and the AMG GT are better choices.

chewy - 11/30/2014 6:51:21 PM

+1 Boost

The rear 3/4 portion is very 911 esque in the "hips". But after seeing it in the metal overall it's not as impressive as you would from Mercedes given the objective. Mercedes almost has too much of a good thing with the AMG GT, SL and now S class coupe all in the ballpark of each other. Mercedes can probably sell all three but the SL is looking more and more out of place.