Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Porsche is so relaxed over the visual changes brought by the 2016 911 mid-cycle revamp that they’ve decided to allow test vehicles to run around naked. Naturally, we couldn’t miss this opportunity, so we are now bringing you the first photos of the camo-free prototypes.
And since, certain people still wish for Porsche to take the Neunelfer styling in a more modern direction, Porsche has decided the 2016 911 will offer even more retro design details. Most of these elements, which connect the 991 generation to its predecessors, are found at the rear.
The graphics on the door mirrors reminds us of the shape seen on the 356’s chrome body details, while the changes up front follow a different direction. As we’ve been accustomed, the front fascia is that bit of the car that will make people ask themselves whether this is the new model or the old one, which is just what the carmaker wants. Nevertheless, there's a special set of images, which shows the revamped 911 on the Nurburgring. These images allows us to see a new rear wing, which appears perfectly integrated into the body when not in use, in order to bring an aerodynamic efficiency bonus.
Regardless, the headlight graphics are redesigned, while the front apron accommodates redesigned intakes. Aside from the obvious side blades we’ve seen on numerous new Porsche models, it looks like these include the active shutter grilles we’ve seen in previous spyshots.
Nonetheless, the active grilles are a small efficiency-improving measure when compared to the turbocharged revolution at the back of the car.
As you can see in the photos, the air outlets on the extremities of the lower rear apron, as well as the new central exhaust layout indicate the presence of a turbocharged engine. In the pursuit for superior efficiency, it is expected that all the models outside the GTs will feature forced induction flat sixes.
The rumor mill sees the base 911 Carrera ditching its NA 3.4-liter engine in favor of a turbo 2.7-liter unit. Yes, this is the same cubic capacity as that used by the entry-level Boxster and Cayman’s atmospheric engine. Then again, 911s of the 70s and 80s used 2.7-liter engines.
Moving to the 911 Carrera S, we could expect the 3.8-liter to be switched with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo mill. The current power level of 350 hp will move towards 400 hp. As for the fuel efficiency, this should sit at around 29.4 mpg (8l/100 km). Once again, this is the displacement of the current Boxster S/Cayman S.
Since Porsche is a master of editions, it could be possible for this forced-feeding movement to introduce a new model in the 911 line-up, but it’s too early to jump to conclusions. Moreover, the automaker has already patented a variable compression ratio solution, which could bring magic MPG and output numbers if introduced on the new engines.
Just in case you were wondering about a hybrid 911, Porsche will introduce this, but with the next generation of the rear-engined machine, which is set to land around 2020. The carmaker obviously plans to take over Le Mans meanwhile. That goal started unfolding last year and we are now less than a month away from its 2015 episode.
What meets the eye
We’ll start with the new engine cover, which has an obvious old age design. Then again, the taillights, which use the 2014 Panamera’s and 2015 Cayenne’s four main light spots approach, bring the 911 closer to its predecessor, the 997, as the height of the rear light clusters has increased.The graphics on the door mirrors reminds us of the shape seen on the 356’s chrome body details, while the changes up front follow a different direction. As we’ve been accustomed, the front fascia is that bit of the car that will make people ask themselves whether this is the new model or the old one, which is just what the carmaker wants. Nevertheless, there's a special set of images, which shows the revamped 911 on the Nurburgring. These images allows us to see a new rear wing, which appears perfectly integrated into the body when not in use, in order to bring an aerodynamic efficiency bonus.
Regardless, the headlight graphics are redesigned, while the front apron accommodates redesigned intakes. Aside from the obvious side blades we’ve seen on numerous new Porsche models, it looks like these include the active shutter grilles we’ve seen in previous spyshots.
Nonetheless, the active grilles are a small efficiency-improving measure when compared to the turbocharged revolution at the back of the car.
As you can see in the photos, the air outlets on the extremities of the lower rear apron, as well as the new central exhaust layout indicate the presence of a turbocharged engine. In the pursuit for superior efficiency, it is expected that all the models outside the GTs will feature forced induction flat sixes.
The changes at the rear
The model you see here is a “4”, but that’s about all we can be certain of for the moment.The rumor mill sees the base 911 Carrera ditching its NA 3.4-liter engine in favor of a turbo 2.7-liter unit. Yes, this is the same cubic capacity as that used by the entry-level Boxster and Cayman’s atmospheric engine. Then again, 911s of the 70s and 80s used 2.7-liter engines.
Moving to the 911 Carrera S, we could expect the 3.8-liter to be switched with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo mill. The current power level of 350 hp will move towards 400 hp. As for the fuel efficiency, this should sit at around 29.4 mpg (8l/100 km). Once again, this is the displacement of the current Boxster S/Cayman S.
Since Porsche is a master of editions, it could be possible for this forced-feeding movement to introduce a new model in the 911 line-up, but it’s too early to jump to conclusions. Moreover, the automaker has already patented a variable compression ratio solution, which could bring magic MPG and output numbers if introduced on the new engines.
Just in case you were wondering about a hybrid 911, Porsche will introduce this, but with the next generation of the rear-engined machine, which is set to land around 2020. The carmaker obviously plans to take over Le Mans meanwhile. That goal started unfolding last year and we are now less than a month away from its 2015 episode.
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