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New Porsche 911 Shows its Panamera-Style Snout in South Africa

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Once again, Carscoop's photographers have caught the all-new generation of Porsche's 911 sports car series testing. However, this time, they snagged a barely camouflaged prototype not in Germany, but in South Africa. And even though our man with the camera wasn't able to capture a crystal clear shot of the front end of the 2012MY 911, it's fairly obvious that the styling is heavily influenced by the Panamera.

From there on, despite some changes here and there such as the exterior mirrors that are mounted on the doors instead of on the window frame, the redesigned tail lamps and a slightly lower roofline, the basic silhouette and proportions remain the same. An extensive aerodynamic package with an active front spoiler and variable air-intakes, is believed to be in development.

We expect more differences inside the cabin with some fresh bits and pieces borrowed directly from the Cayenne and Panamera parts bins.

The new model, codenamed '991', may look eerily similar to today's generation of the 911, but underneath the body there's a revised platform that has grown a few inches in length and width. Furthermore, Porsche's engineering team is also said to have made good use of exotic and lightweight materials to reduce the sports car's overall weight.

The 911's engine lineup will be revised with upgraded six-cylinder boxer units boasting the latest technological advancements including direct injection and start/stop systems for gains in power as well as reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At launch, Porsche will offer two variants - the Carrera and more powerful Carrera S models, with the Turbo and other versions such as the GT2 and GT3 to follow down the line.

Delivering power to the rear or to all four wheels will be a standard six-speed manual gearbox (depending on the model) joined by an optional seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppel Kupplung) twin-clutch transmission with shift paddles behind the wheel.

Chances are that Porsche will choose its home show in Frankfurt, Germany, next year to present the world premiere of the new 911.



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17 Comments:

Anonymous said... »December 08, 2010

I wont believe the front end till i see it, this seems mismatched hodged podged ...

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

I live in Johannesburg , and this isn't the first time I've seen Porsche prototypes driving around. I remember seeing both the 997 and Panamera being tested here before launch

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

boring porsche need to retire this design its only so much you can change and call it a new design. please porsche use your imagination evolve the car design. Ps i like the car its a classic design.

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Rear engine cover looks fake and bonnet looks higher. Possible switch to front engine???

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Sweet...love the longer lines. I love the 911 and have patiently awaited this update prior to purchasing. The interior will also look Panamera great.

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Just like the current version that rear wiper will no doubt continue to be an extra cost option. lol

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Nothing says I can't get laid by conventional means, quite like a Porsche.

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

"Rear engine cover looks fake and bonnet looks higher. Possible switch to front engine???"

You don't know much about Porsche do you?

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

""Rear engine cover looks fake and bonnet looks higher. Possible switch to front engine???"

You don't know much about Porsche do you?"

Actually I think he does have a point (although I'm not sure about the bonnet)

If you look at it with a bit of imagination it could also be some kind of Porsche 928 renewal. Especially the rear lights and panamera style snout make me think that!

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

I didn't think that one could make the 911 less attractive, but it looks like Porsche (VW?) is succeeding. Why would you want a vehicle to look like a Panamera?

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Bring back the slantnose 911 you bastards!

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Those that are passionate about Porsche love the styling & high level of performance that are synonymous with the brand. We look at some of your negative comments and laugh. Most of you can't even afford the vehicles and troll websites bashing premium cars across the board. To the idiot above that posted; trust me, I don't need a Porsche to get action but I get plenty more women & envious looks from retards like you when I cruise my 997. Stick to your Ford Escort & your trailer trash girlfriends and less time making negative comments on topics you know little about. The final design will be graceful and the company will go on to shatter previous sales records.

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Well at least it doesn't have the Panamera butt!!!!!

Anonymous said... »December 09, 2010

Last Anonymous needs to get laid...SERIOUSLY!!!

Anonymous said... »December 10, 2010

remember the panamera has a coupe shape so could this be a grand tourer?

Jett said... »April 11, 2011

I think it's a Panamera coupe, with some disguising. Look at the length of the front overhang, the shortness of the rear, the placement of the exhausts, and the squareness of the rear fender lowers. There's even a slight crease in the front hood. I'm leaning toward a new 911 in the next 18 months, and a Panamera coupe would be very appealing to me, as long as it came with decent power for under $90k. The Panamera V-6 probably wouldn't cut it; at least not without a turbo.

Anonymous said... »July 15, 2011

I live in Johannesburg , and this isn't the first time I've seen Porsche prototypes driving around. I remember seeing both the 997 and Panamera being tested here before launch

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