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Next Generation Porsche 911 Chassis Testing Mule Returns

Porsche has just launched the new Carrera model with 3.0-liter turbocharged engine. It's part of a mid-life facelift for the 911 generation that should continue with the Turbo and who knows what else.
Porsche 911 992 mule 13 photos
Photo: CarPix
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Nevertheless, just like Mercedes or BMW, the Stuttgart company has started development of the next generation immediately after the facelift was finished. There's no rest for the wicked… engineers!

If you're only going to take a quick glance, then this prototype doesn't have much to offer. But, if you look hard, you'll notice that the rear fenders have extensions, and there's a weird transparent cap sticking out.

Frankly, we're not surprised that the next 911 is going to be an evolution of the current one. It happened before, plus the 991 generation is already one of the lightest sportscars around. The Germans are likely going to look at every major chassis component and check if it can be made lighter using different materials, welding or construction methods.

We can't say for sure what engine they are working with, but the twin exhaust system hints at the latest 3.0-liter turbos. Porsche invested a lot of money into the development of these advanced new flat-six engines and should keep them around for many years to come.

Our test prototype also comes with all-wheel-drive, but that's not really important. Now that the Jaguar F-Type also has power going to the front wheels, Porsche will have to re-invent its trademark model by offering a hybrid.

Using the lessons learned from the 918 Spyder, Porsche will make the 911 go faster using electricity. We don't know where the model will fit within the range, but it should be a bespoke eco one like the S E-Hybrid versions of the Cayenne and Panamera.

The market for a sportscar with EV range is clearly there, as proven by the BMW i8. However, squeezing large batteries into the compact and delicate frame of the Stuttgart prancing horse will be tricky. Will the four-cylinder engines made for the Cayman and Boxster offer extra room? We'll have to wait a couple of years and see.

The Mission E concept from Frankfurt brought us a glimpse of Porsche's all-electric future. However, that car should be based on the modular electric platform being developed by Volkswagen group.

While the Macan and Cayenne are selling like hotcakes, the 911 is not a top priority. That's why we suspect this new model will launch as late as 2018.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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