Crown

 Hello again, ladies and gentlemen.

I'm sure most of you will recall Porsche spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode announcing a 'spectacular' new Porsche concept premiering at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 10, but remaining completely tight-lipped as to what the concept might be. Rumors abound that we might see the next-generation Boxster, a Panamera coupe, a mock-up of the upcoming Cajun or, more frequently seen on the Internet, a supercar slotting in between the 911 and 918 Spyder [they're calling it the Porsche 929].

All I've managed to dig up is that the car could possibly be powered by a twin-turbo V8 generating 600 hp and riding on a carbon-based chassis. No other specs as yet.

On the plus side, there is a new rendering that's been going around. It's attached below for your viewing pleasure.

What do you think?

rulesdontapply

Yes!!! A mid-engined turbo, with 911-like roof line... Except it sounds like it's going to be too expensive. They should just give it the current turbo mechanicals and price it around the same level.

So basically, I'm talking about a Cayman with a turbo powertrain and decent styling. Another missed opportunity... With Porsche, if you want good dynamics, you are relegated either to second-class citizenship, or to the poorhouse.

It looks like they want to take on the McLaren MP4-12C. They should.

Porsche 918 Coupe world premiere in Detroit 2011...

After three years absence, Porsche will launch a world premiere in January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show: the Porsche 918 Coupé...

Porsche, the sports car manufacturer, will show a study of a two-seat supercar - camouflaged as a racing car. The Porsche 918 series will be positioned above the 911 range and will be developed on a new modular sports car component system. The 918 Coupe will have a V8 engine with up to 600hp, with a launch expected of the Coupe in 2014. The new 918 Coupé shares the platform with the 918 Spyder, the hybrid convertible supercar with a V8 hybrid expected to roll out to dealers in 2014... 

AutoBild-918-Coupe_Article-Link

Porsche 918 Coupe concept...

So- when does the rumored yet eternally elusive GT3 4.0L go public? Thought that was going to be the Detroit car?

Porsche needs this, Porsche needs a car that looks and sound different than the 911 formula, a new exotic is the way to go. So much better to hear this, than a world debut of a lousy Mini super Boxster /Cayman or whataver mini engine with 4 cilinder and blá blá blá...

918 Coupé / 600HP /  Above 911 !!!! GREAT GREAT GREAT.

J.Seven

in my opinion they should make it "affortable" not another supercar produced in small numbers. As stated by KMM - slightly above a Turbo price would be nice - I don't think that you can beat the upcomming McLaren and t4 don't understand the point of yet another car with 600 hp....

BjoernB:

I don't think that you can beat the upcomming McLaren...

Do you think the MP4-12C will be that good? 
 

The secret of life is to admire without desiring.

Rossi:

BjoernB:

I don't think that you can beat the upcomming McLaren...

Do you think the MP4-12C will be that good? 
 

LSD is missing

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/mclaren-mp4-12c-design-flaw

For some reason, I'm hoping that Porsche doesn't show a variant of the 918. The concept debuted less than a year ago in Geneva and the car isn't expected to be roadgoing until 2014/15, so a production version of it in Detroit is most likely out of the question. A 918-related coupe could be a possibility, but what I'd really like to see is a Panamera coupe in the vein of the 928. It could be quite incredible if properly executed; i.e. powerful engines, distinctive design and the practicality of a grand tourer.

A revived 928 could be comfortably positioned above the 911 and below the future 918 supercar. It would definitely work to Porsche's advantage if they sold a car that people of a larger, upscale demographic could afford instead of a limited-production vehicle with a colossal price tag that only the select few can splash on.

Those are my two cents, anyway. We'll just have to wait until 6:30 AM Detroit time on January 10 to see what the boys from Stuttgart have in stock for us.

rulesdontapply
 

I'm not aware of any 918 Coupe or whatever in that direction. There is a strong rumor of an "intermediate" super sports car strategically placed between the 911 GT2 RS and the 918.

However there are no details available...yet.

Another variant of the 918 would be a huge mistake, I agree.

My guess is (possible candidates for presentation):

1. Cayenne's little brother

2. "intermediate" super sports car between 911 GT2 RS and 918

3. Panamera Coupe

4. new "entry level" model below the Boxster

In a week or so, I may be able to get a more accurate information. 

--

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW

It could be the road going version of the 918. The one that will actually go to customers.

"Form follows function"

BiTurbo:

Rossi:

BjoernB:

I don't think that you can beat the upcomming McLaren...

Do you think the MP4-12C will be that good? 
 

LSD is missing

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/mclaren-mp4-12c-design-flaw

Spoke with some representatives at the Zurich Car show of McLaren extensively and - knowing that they are biased of course - they are very confident to set the bar to new levels. maybe not as fast as a 911 TT PDK to 100 - but after that it's going to set set new benchmarks in it's class. (o-ton)

reginos:

It could be the road going version of the 918. The one that will actually go to customers.

This wouldn't be anything "spectacular" since everybody expects it. 

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW

BjoernB:

BiTurbo:

Rossi:

BjoernB:

I don't think that you can beat the upcomming McLaren...

Do you think the MP4-12C will be that good? 
 

LSD is missing

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/mclaren-mp4-12c-design-flaw

Spoke with some representatives at the Zurich Car show of McLaren extensively and - knowing that they are biased of course - they are very confident to set the bar to new levels. maybe not as fast as a 911 TT PDK to 100 - but after that it's going to set set new benchmarks in it's class. (o-ton)

Well, they had to say that, right.
 

But it's true, the base and the technical data of the McLaren surely looks superb, there are only two things I am still sceptical about:

1. the looks, but I reserve my final judgement here until I have seen the car in flesh
2. most probably inevitable problems during the first year(s) of production with a brand new car

--

The secret of life is to admire without desiring.

I wouldn't trust a very limited production, standalone manufacturer to produce a trouble free and utterly reliable car in all respects. I mean a car that will be used to cover many kilometers in a year and not just a fetish for some special occasions. The previous McLaren efforts don't count for a lot. The McLaren F1 was hardly used on the road by its owners and the SLR had a lot of Mercedes input in its engineering(a mixed blessing in dynamics but a guarantee for reliability).

IMO if someone desires a M-E supercar there is only one road to travel, the one leading to Maranello. Alternatively, try Sant' Agata if you don't mind the idea of Audi ownership.

"Form follows function"

agree - but on the otherhand didn't had the 458 already 3 recalls ? - one severe one with regarding the glue catching fire ? as to the Sant'Agata I love the rawness and edgy look but running costs are not exactly cheap I've been told by a owner - no comparison to a Porsche.

I hope they will reveal the GT3 with the 4.0 L engine (which at rumored 220k EUR is ridiculous) but they should offer something "simple but yet affortable" -  a 911 R with the GT3RS engine minus all options for the price of a "4s" until the 991 comes in - that would be a surprise !!! I would sign on the spot !

rulesdontapply:

 what I'd really like to see is a Panamera coupe in the vein of the 928. It could be quite incredible if properly executed; i.e. powerful engines, distinctive design and the practicality of a grand tourer.

A revived 928 could be comfortably positioned above the 911 and below the future 918 supercar. It would definitely work to Porsche's advantage if they sold a car that people of a larger, upscale demographic could afford

Back to the future, bigger, faster, better handling, more luxury, The Flagship revived. (This is what Top Gear should be) ahhh reality...................

I know Porsche is very good day to day car but you would not underestimate the MP4-12C. To my knowledge the McLaren F1 is as realiable as a carrera GT.

“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” -- George Bernard Shaw

Using the brake independantly for each wheel as a sort of differential has been a standard feature of 911 and Boxsters (and other markes have it too) since they started to include PSM, and its called ABD: Automatic Brake Differential.  Its used in combination of PSM, PTM, etc

In theory, this is the definition by Porsche: "When the drive wheels begin to spin, the automatic brake differential function (ABD) initially brakes the individual wheel with the higher level of slip. If both wheels spin, ASR intervenes in a fraction of a second."

In reality its basically its a cheaper and less sporty way to do without a real LSD. Having driven 911 with ABD only and 911 with LSD, I can honestly say that ABD is not substitute for a LSD in a sportcar.

Carlos from Spain:

Having driven 911 with ABD only and 911 with LSD, I can honestly say that ABD is not substitute for a LSD in a sportcar.

 Carlos,

Wouldn't you have to say that your statement might depend of the development of ABD in previous Porsche models vs. what might be achieved now by McLaren?

--

Mike

2005 Carrera GT + 2008 Tesla Roadster +2010 Panamera Turbo + 2001 BMW Z8 + 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi +2009 Bentley Arnage T

ABD will never be as fun to drive as a real mechanical LSD, no matter how sophisticated the software.  It might be as quick, but never as fun.

73 Carrera RS 2.7 Carbon Fiber replica (1,890 lbs).  Former: 73 911S, Two 951S's, 996 C2, 993 C2, 98 Ferrari 550 Maranello

W8MM:

Carlos from Spain:

Having driven 911 with ABD only and 911 with LSD, I can honestly say that ABD is not substitute for a LSD in a sportcar.

 Carlos,

Wouldn't you have to say that your statement might depend of the development of ABD in previous Porsche models vs. what might be achieved now by McLaren?

--

Mike

2005 Carrera GT + 2008 Tesla Roadster +2010 Panamera Turbo + 2001 BMW Z8 + 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi +2009 Bentley Arnage T

 Absolutely, and its still true of current Porsche models, but I'm catious about thinking that newcomer (on street sportcar engineering) McLaren knows something someone like Porsche doesn't, or anyone else for that matter. They make make it and effective "efective" but there is a tradeoff in sportiness and fun. Its like with the Nissan GT-R. I'm sure there are packaging, development, or mechanical reasons why they did not fit a LSD on such a type of car, but not because they discovered a superior system IMO (superior being both effective and sportive in character). What I'm saying is that ABD is not something new or revolutionary, and its curent application in sportcars leaves something to be desired in terms of sportiveness. But since the McLaren is not out yet I guess we have to wait and see, and there are many other aspects of the car that influence in the whole equiation so...

Grant:

ABD will never be as fun to drive as a real mechanical LSD, no matter how sophisticated the software.  It might be as quick, but never as fun.

Agree 100%!  As for this Detroit car, if I can put in my 2 cents worth, my sources tells me it is a mid engine car which means either a cheaper end baby Boxster or the car that will sit just below the 918.  I would guess the latter.

 Iv'e heard the Detroit car will be called GT X ( at least internally  ) and that it's performance will eclipse GT2 RS.  

New Porsche supercar: "The over-Eleven..."

The new spearhead of Porsche is a no-compromise two-seater for highway and racetrack...

Surprise from Zuffenhausen: Porsche is planning a completely new high-flyer above the 911 - sharper and more uncompromising than all previous...

The new Porsche boss did not hesitate long. Just since the beginning of October in the office, Matthias Müller already talking plain and accelerates like a man who has always erase the asphalt. It encourages this with a clever Audi cooperation related SUV project below the Cayenne ("Cajun"), talks about the future idea of a compact mid-engine roadster ("Even such a topic is one of Porsche") and puts the pressure on the series development of the super hybrid sports car 918 Spyder, which the Board has given the green light.

Like no one else sees Müller, the VW group in the global coordination of all charge of vehicle projects, the new opportunities of the sports car manufacturer. His company car is a 530-hp 911 Turbo S , and this brings us rapidly to the actual topic: Müller plans a super sports car "above the 911", one that priced the future gap to over 700 hp and 600,000-euro 918 Spyder close to and could be clearly distinguished from what has become quite comfortable and luxurious 2+2 seater icon by expressive radicalism and another drive concept. The Swabian alternative to Ferrari Italia 458, McLaren MP4-12C and the Group's own Lamborghini Gallardo. 

V8 Twin-Turbo with 600 hp 

A sharp dog, which does not only bite briefly, but is also suited to be driven on the motorway. A flat two-seater would be it, one hears. Optical courageous than anything to date, but immediately recognizable as a Porsche. Design chief Michael Mauer has been the first ideas, and the proportions should be thought about compressing the perfect speed - a car that only about 1.22 meters high, 4.50 meters long and about 1.90 meters wide and even a bit of room fine for weekend luggage offers. A later open version with a classic soft top would not be excluded. Logically, there must be extremely lightweight carbon fiber composite chassis, and in the underwear aluminum parts were in the compound, many in the game. For razor sharp handling - keyword dynamic axle load distribution - is only a mid-engine in question.

Fittingly, this Porsche has a power version of its 4.8-liter, direct-injection V8 Twin-Turbo in store for the improved performance is already planned. 600 hp and are being considered with high probability all-wheel drive. Hybrid-electric fitness for sneaking out of the residential area (25 km) is in principle included - Porsche is working on a multi-purpose "e-mobility kit", is scheduled to be operational by early 2013. A year later, we could have the world premiere of the new experience €400,000 supercar. Let's call him just the 929...

Porsche-plan-supersports-car_AutoZeitung-link

 My goodness, that's quite an interesting translation!  

Language aside, it sounds like an interesting car. If they seriously mean something in the 458 range, I hope they mean in price, too. Something closer to $200K than to $400K.

"When you design a car around the customer's wishes, you get cup holders. When you design a car around innovative thinking, you get a Porsche."

The Over-eleven?  Porsche 1011?  Whatever this story is referring to, it cannot be a car that will be shown in January.   But, if I understand the (bad) translation correctly, this is a claim that Porsche intends to compete in the serious high performance mid-engine field, and I think that would be very interesting for enthusiasts.   Many on Rennteam have complained about the Cayman being kept well below its potential... but a true Porsche mid-engine performance car would need a new platform, not the Boxster/Cayman one, and this seems to be what is being suggested.  

My only concern is that this is not a high-sales market, already crowded with  Mercedes competing these days too (if you include front-mid-engine SLS).  But for brand prestige I would truly like to see the "over-eleven" happen. 

2010 Audi S5,  2009 Porsche 911S

Porsche 918 RSR ready for the Nürburgring...

"Porsche 918 Coupe racing prototype to debut in Detroit"

The rumor mill is kicking into overdrive as everyone is trying to determine what "spectacular" new Porsche will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show.

The latest report, from AutoBild, suggests the car will be a coupe version of the 918 Spyder concept in racing guise. While the latter part sounds like a bit of a stretch, it wouldn't be impossible as Porsche may enter the 918 Spyder in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

...with all due credit to Carrara on Teamspeed!