Please tell us it isn't so. During a routine test drive over in Steinegg, Germany, a 2012 Porsche 911/991 prototype has inexplicably gone up in flames. According to fire chief commander, Klaus Buchinger, the fire started in the engine bay and "the car has burned like tinder." Apparently, the car completely burned through in only 15 minutes. The cause for the fire is still unknown.

The vehicle testing was a special prototype developed for the Chinese market, but will be finding its way back to the Porsche->ke1 center in Weissach for further examination. Once the malfunctioning element has been discovered and corrected, we're sure the 2012 Porsche 911 will successfully find its way to its official debut later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. That, or it will continue to go down in flames like the first few Ferrari 458 Italia units. We're hoping for the former and not the latter.

As a reminder, the 2012 Porsche 911/991->ke282 will be powered by a 3.4-liter, direct-injected flat-six engine that delivers a total of 350 HP at 6400 rpm and max torque of 280 lb-ft between 4400 and 6000 rpm. The Carrera S, on the other hand, will get a 3.8-liter flat-six with direct injection engine that delivers a total of 400 HP at 7000 rpm.

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