The 911 is the most successful model in Porsche’s history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. After a long wait and a hi-jacking of the official images, Porsche has revealed its sixth generation ahead of its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The sixth generation 911, or the 991, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. Shortly after the launch of the 998 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2, and GT3 in 2012.
UPDATE 02/02/2012: Porsche has unveiled a new video for their new generation 911. Called "The Salute," the video also stars the 1962 Porsche 911, making it a great watch. Enjoy!
More details on the 2012 Porsche 911/991 after the jump.
The Porsche 911 Speedster is a rare variant with only three generations notched onto its belt. The first was provided for the 911/930 from 1975-1989 and the second was built from the 911/964 generation from 1990-1994. After 16 years of dormancy, the 911 Speedster arrived at the tail end of the 997 series, more than likely to allow the generation to go out with a bang, but we would have much rather Porsche held out for the 991 generation.
If they had held out, we would expect the
911 Speedster to be the last variant to show up on the 911 roster, sometime in 2013. Like the current model, Porsche would focus on making the car lighter and more powerful: the current version uses a 3.8-liter flat six engine that produces 408 HP. Of course, the model would also be a limited edition, so many of us would be unable to get our hands on one.
That may not matter though. When taking history into account, the odds of Porsche bringing the 911 Speedster back only a few years after the previous version are slim to none, but we couldn’t help thinking of what the model would look like if they did.
Following the spy shots revealed yesterday of the upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo playing in the snow is a fantastic bit of news about what it will be carrying under that luscious hood. Turns out, the 911 Turbo will be powered by a 3.8 liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, but not equipped with a twin-turbo system as one would expect. Instead, Porsche is following in BMW’s footsteps by offering a tri-turbo system.
This system is currently in the final phase of development and, according to the first details, will help raise the engine’s output from the current 495 HP to somewhere in the region of 525 HP — or the same as that of the current 911 Turbo S. It will include the usual twin turbochargers found in the current engine, but will get a smaller unit mounted close to the engine to boost low-end response. This system will also improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Once this tri-turbo system is complete, not only will it fit in with the 911 Turbo, but will also get dropped in the next-generation 911 GT2 and GT2 RS.
Lately, all of Europe has been under piles of snow and, for some automakers, this means that it’s the perfect time to test the capabilities of their newest models. The upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe is now joining the long list of models taken out to play in the snow. Although the model has dropped some of its camouflage since the last time it was caught on camera, the bumpers and the air intakes on the side are still well hidden, completely hiding their real shape.
Just like the standard 911, the new Turbo version will adopt a sportier appearance, as well as a powerful engine. It will be powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that will deliver about 550 HP. The engine will be mated to an improved manual gearbox as standard, or an optional PDK gearbox. The PDK will have with no less than seven forward gears, combining the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. The Porsche will also feature brake regeneration and stop start systems.
The new Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe is expected to make its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March and go on sale later in the year.
Porsche has unveiled a pretty cool video presenting their stand at the 2012 Autosport International Show held in Birmingham, England. Porsche launched the 2012 Carrera Cup GB and GT3 Cup Challenge race series, as well as showed off the 918 RSR and the new 911 Carrera for the first time in the UK.
Porsche’s presence at the Autosport is pretty important considering this event is kind of a kick-off for the motorsport year - an area where Porsche has a lot to say. Our favorite, of course, is the 918 RSR - a race car that will deliver about 600 HP, while hitting a top speed of 200mph and taking off from 0-60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds. The Porsche 918 RSR will begin competing in 2013.
