Porsche’s new 911 has been spied in winter testing in northern Scandinavia.
The 998 model is set to be launched in summer 2012 and will replace the 997, which itself is just a thorough facelift of the previous 996 model.
See the latest Porsche 911 spy pics
The styling will be more evolution than revolution and this heavily disguised model hints at few changes to the iconic 911 shape. Despite the minimal changes to its looks, Porsche sources have previously told Autocar that almost every panel will be new.
The only carry-over parts will be the frameless doors from the cabriolet version. Construction will be a mix of steel and aluminium, and some components will be shared with the smaller Cayman and Boxster to keep costs down.
The new 911 will be slightly longer and wider than the model it replaces and the spy shots show its wider track. Porsche has made these changes to ensure the 911 meets the latest crash regulations and also to improve both aerodynamics and dynamics.
Tech features will include an integrated torque vectoring system on four-wheel-drive models and a faster-acting limited-slip differential on rear-drive 911s. The 911 will get LED front and rear lights as standard.
Engines will be updated versions of the current 911’s 3.6 and 3.8-litre flat sixes. Light-pressure turbocharging is being developed to boost efficiency, but these developments won’t be seen until the 998 receives its facelift in the middle of this decade.
The disguise at the rear hides a new wing, which draws on active technology seen in the Panamera. It will extend at high speed to boost downforce without impacting on drag.
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Photos: Carparazzi
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Re: New Porsche 998 spied testing
crashbangwallop!, i like your comment!, but you can't really improve on a 40yr old design really, can you?.
Re: New Porsche 998 spied testing
Slow news year
Re: New Porsche 998 spied testing
So with the introduction of the 998 we will see only the 3rd ever all-new 911....since 1963. As much as i like 911s it's time to put this shape to bed and come up with something different. Fingers crossed then for the 4th generation....in 2063 perhaps.