The 998 model will replace the 997, which itself is just a thorough facelift of the previous 996 model. 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 disguise indicates that styling changes will be kept to a minimum, but 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.
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.
The new 911 will be slightly longer and wider than the model it replaces. Porsche has made these changes to ensure the 911 meets ever-evolving 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. These spy pictures also indicate that 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 the next decade.
Sales will start in the summer of 2012.
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