Guessing about 998 & 988
Sometimes it's fun to noodle what might be without the benefit of any insider knowledge; so if those of you with a view "inside" know better, let's hear it! In the absence of that here's what I think we might get.
Aluminum tub which will make the whole car much lighter without the need to keep adding more power to compensate for weight. Also more aluminum/composite body panels for the same reason
(This would be a little like Aston Martin's approach which allows them enormous flexibility in terms of what configurations they can produce. Most of the help for this will come from Audi and Alcoa who have been the driving force behind the A2 and A8, not to mention Lamborghini...Different front and rear aluminum subframes would also allow for different additional configurations like mid front [like SLR] or front engine [like 928].)
Transverse gearbox which will allow the flat 6 or even a flat 8 to move closer to the center of the vehicle in the case of 998.
No need to increase engine capacity if the car is substantially lighter, but add FSI for increased efficiency. Question: how much stretch is left in the current engine?
Sports exhaust as standard.
Carbon ceramic clutch which will allow the center of gravity to be lower.
DSG or stick gearbox options only, no Tip
2 configurations of the car, equivalent to "low fat" and "full fat". With lightweight everything in the low fat version, and minimal electronics and electric motors. Or full fat with most of today's options as standard to put the car on a par with BMW or Mercedes.
Body styles: narrow and "S" wide body for 2 and 4 wheel drive. Reversion to "old" style targa with removable roof panel. Possible "hatchback" rear window if rigidity could be maintained.
Tricky issues to face: new safety regulations aimed at reducing injury to pedestrians. How will this affect Porsche's design of 998 and 988?
Anyone have the real inside scoop???
Aluminum tub which will make the whole car much lighter without the need to keep adding more power to compensate for weight. Also more aluminum/composite body panels for the same reason
(This would be a little like Aston Martin's approach which allows them enormous flexibility in terms of what configurations they can produce. Most of the help for this will come from Audi and Alcoa who have been the driving force behind the A2 and A8, not to mention Lamborghini...Different front and rear aluminum subframes would also allow for different additional configurations like mid front [like SLR] or front engine [like 928].)
Transverse gearbox which will allow the flat 6 or even a flat 8 to move closer to the center of the vehicle in the case of 998.
No need to increase engine capacity if the car is substantially lighter, but add FSI for increased efficiency. Question: how much stretch is left in the current engine?
Sports exhaust as standard.
Carbon ceramic clutch which will allow the center of gravity to be lower.
DSG or stick gearbox options only, no Tip
2 configurations of the car, equivalent to "low fat" and "full fat". With lightweight everything in the low fat version, and minimal electronics and electric motors. Or full fat with most of today's options as standard to put the car on a par with BMW or Mercedes.
Body styles: narrow and "S" wide body for 2 and 4 wheel drive. Reversion to "old" style targa with removable roof panel. Possible "hatchback" rear window if rigidity could be maintained.
Tricky issues to face: new safety regulations aimed at reducing injury to pedestrians. How will this affect Porsche's design of 998 and 988?
Anyone have the real inside scoop???
