Porsche ’s future lineup has been subject to much speculation as of late, so what’s a little bit more? A new 911 is headed our way in 2011, and while the iconic sports car’s face will remain familiar in its new form, Porsche is planning plenty of changes under the skin.
Internally referred to as the 991, Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer promises the new 911 “will be even more competent, even sexier, even more unique” than the current car. Although the 911’s overall shape will remain the same, Dürheimer revealed to Car Magazine the 911’s front fascia will actually have to be slightly altered to meet new pedestrian crash safety laws. The car’s rear will also be reshaped to become more slippery through the air and Dürheimer even promises the new car will do without door mirrors. Dürheimer didn’t elaborate on the latter subject, but it would seem safe to assume the car’s side mirrors will be replaced with rear-facing cameras – a concept car tech that has been promised but not delivered for years now.
The next 911 will also get a host of active aerodynamic bits. An extending rear spoiler will be part of the new package, as will adjustable front spoilers. Perhaps even more interesting, Car says the 2011 911 will feature adjustable air vents, which can selectively block air to increase top-end speed or function as “active jet-vents” to provide extra road-holding ability.
Lightweight composite materials will be used throughout the next 911, which will not only help overall performance, but should also squeak out a few extra MPGs.
Dürheimer even looked into his crystal ball to see what would be in store for the future 911, slated to bow in 2018. Porsche ’s new PDK will soldier on to 2018 and beyond, but it’s quite possible that Porsche will launch a new CVT in 2018. As one would expect, the 2018 car would be packed with even more electronics, including four-wheel steering, a self parking system similar to Lexus ’ and even a steer-by-wire driving system.
