Due to be released at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September is the ‘new 911’ (known as the 991 series by Porsche). As you can see from the photo, it still has the overall appearance of the original 912/911, which goes back to 1963.
Unlike the ‘new beetle’ which changed the engine position from the rear to the front, complete with FWD, the next generation 911 keeps the rear-engined and RWD configuration for which the entire 911 series has had.
Extensive use of aluminium for the body panels ensures the new 911 is slightly lighter than the outgoing 996 series, despite its bigger dimensions. And it is a larger car, 70 mm longer, with most of that an increase in the wheelbase.
New 911 Porsche
The 911’s engine will be slightly smaller at 3.4 liters (previously 3.6 liters) and develops 261 kW. In the Carrera S model, the capacity is 3.8 liters and the engine develops 298 kW. The power is put to the wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
The suspension is new but follows the current 911’s McPherson strut front and multilink rear, with the front end – including steering – expected to be shared with the next-generation Boxster/Cayman due next year.
Porsche claims that the new 911 will not only be quicker, but also return better fuel consumption. Mind you, I do not believe that anyone buys a Porsche for its ‘frugal’ fuel consumption, but to be politically correct, the automakers are supposed to show how responsible they are.
