Feb 1, 2009 4:03:40 AM
Feb 1, 2009 10:51:33 AM
Feb 2, 2009 5:11:41 AM
Feb 2, 2009 6:57:41 AM
That front view shows a bigger "smile" than the 997.1 - is this in response to increasing profits?
Theres only so many times you can rehash the same design before is becomes BORING and I think the 911 has reached its peak.
The biggest single improvement they could make to the 911 is to make it mid-engined, otherwise Porsche will always be limited by the most succssful design flaw in automotive history.
Plus they need to sort their arrogant customer service attitude out too - maybe they should bring Toyota in to help out with that part.
Why would Porsche want to change the shape of the 911? This is what makes(made) this car so succesful. THE 911...it is not only a shape, a model number or a car, it is a legend.
Design flaw? What is it with little boys and mid-engined cars?
Look at the "design-flaw" 997 GT2 and its track performance figures and you'll understand how much of a flaw this design is. Porsche could actually make the 911 much faster on the track but it would compromise some of it's essential capabilities as an excellent daily driver.
I actually enjoy it a lot to see what designers can make out of the classic 911 shape but I wish that the 996, especially the first generation, wasn't part of this.
In my opinion, the first gen 997 has the second cleanest 911 design in Porsche history, even the 993, though very nice, wasn't as much 911 as the 997 is. Talking about the design only of course.
The evolution to the 991 won't be easy I'm afraid. The suggestion from AUTO BILD looks nice but I don't think that Porsche is going to go for a "cheap" solution. As far as I heard, the 991 is supposed to be, performance-/handling-wise the best 911 ever, so Porsche has big plans for this model.
However: with the current world financial crisis getting worse and especially if it keeps its grip too tight for a too long period of time, the 991 could become a third 997 facelift.
I agree only partially RC!
From my opinion you are right that this is a legend. But the current camos and the Photoshops we have seen so far are still to close to the 997. I would like to see a bit more changes and evolution. If you look back, every second 911 had a new body and frame. It seems Porsche is changing this time not that much as on previous evolutions. Anyway - compare the 993 with the 996 - a big step ahead. Something like this would be nice to see.
Further on, the other car manufactures didnt sleep either. Yes, the 911 is still one of the most performant car, but even here a Audi RS4 or BMW M3 can easily catch up. And in the terms of comfort and features as well innovations there is a huge gap to fill.
Lars997:
I agree only partially RC!
From my opinion you are right that this is a legend. But the current camos and the Photoshops we have seen so far are still to close to the 997. I would like to see a bit more changes and evolution. If you look back, every second 911 had a new body and frame. It seems Porsche is changing this time not that much as on previous evolutions. Anyway - compare the 993 with the 996 - a big step ahead. Something like this would be nice to see.
Lars, just one correction if you allow, the 911 until 993 had the same "frame"! The chassis had no big changes from 1963. Sorry my mistake, there was the longer wheel base in 1967 if I´m right. Ask any mechanic that knows a lot about 911 and he will tell you that apart from the mountings for the engine changes at the tunnel for gearbox and the 4wd latter the frame had no changes! Actually on a Carrera 3,2 you can put pannels from the 964 and on the 964 you could build very easy the body of a 993. And Gemballa had offers to change a 964 into a look a like 993. Maybe I´m not enirely correct but not every second generation had a new frame. And the term frame we use here it is not right because Porsche uses a body self. The Astons are build on a frame.
Feb 3, 2009 8:59:25 PM
boytronic:The biggest single improvement they could make to the 911 is to make it mid-engined, otherwise Porsche will always be limited by the most succssful design flaw in automotive history.
I disagree. The ones that are limited are the ones that have not managed to make a rear-engined chasis work, but Porsche with the 911? 40+ years now and still king of the hill, milking the cow with profits and the bechmark for the rest of the sportccars incl mid-engined... I'd like to see anybody find a GT3 or GT2 limited at the track compared to an equally powered mid-engined rival. So why this 911 mid-engined stuff... GT3 or GT2 too slow and boring around the corners? or bragging rights for a couple of poseurs? No, Porsche knows they have a chicken who puts golden eggs, unique in the sportscar industry and they are not going to throw that away anytime soon by changing it.
Feb 3, 2009 10:57:47 PM
Carlos from Spain:If you move the engine from the back to the middle or front of the car, you have to name it what ever but it is no longer a 911!!! Is like building a two stroke Ferrari! But even that can´t compare to the concept of 911: THE ENGINE SITS IN THE BACK!!!
boytronic:The biggest single improvement they could make to the 911 is to make it mid-engined, otherwise Porsche will always be limited by the most succssful design flaw in automotive history.
I disagree. The ones that are limited are the ones that have not managed to make a rear-engined chasis work, but Porsche with the 911? 40+ years now and still king of the hill, milking the cow with profits and the bechmark for the rest of the sportccars incl mid-engined... I'd like to see anybody find a GT3 or GT2 limited at the track compared to an equally powered mid-engined rival. So why this 911 mid-engined stuff... GT3 or GT2 too slow and boring around the corners? or bragging rights for a couple of poseurs? No, Porsche knows they have a chicken who puts golden eggs, unique in the sportscar industry and they are not going to throw that away anytime soon by changing it.
--
ed_moree:
Lars997:
I agree only partially RC!
From my opinion you are right that this is a legend. But the current camos and the Photoshops we have seen so far are still to close to the 997. I would like to see a bit more changes and evolution. If you look back, every second 911 had a new body and frame. It seems Porsche is changing this time not that much as on previous evolutions. Anyway - compare the 993 with the 996 - a big step ahead. Something like this would be nice to see.
Lars, just one correction if you allow, the 911 until 993 had the same "frame"! The chassis had no big changes from 1963. Sorry my mistake, there was the longer wheel base in 1967 if I´m right. Ask any mechanic that knows a lot about 911 and he will tell you that apart from the mountings for the engine changes at the tunnel for gearbox and the 4wd latter the frame had no changes! Actually on a Carrera 3,2 you can put pannels from the 964 and on the 964 you could build very easy the body of a 993. And Gemballa had offers to change a 964 into a look a like 993. Maybe I´m not enirely correct but not every second generation had a new frame. And the term frame we use here it is not right because Porsche uses a body self. The Astons are build on a frame.
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ALL PORSCHE ARE REAL PORSCHE!!!
Hi Ed,
thanks for the hint, so I didnt know all the story - shame on me
And yes I know that it is a "body self" and not frame but I think you got my point. The structure itself was the same and just body outside was different.
Lars997:No problem, I was thinking that you know that it is a "self body" just for others getting into this thread I will really not like to see a good conversation that can degenerate into something totally wrong.
ed_moree:
Lars997:
I agree only partially RC!
From my opinion you are right that this is a legend. But the current camos and the Photoshops we have seen so far are still to close to the 997. I would like to see a bit more changes and evolution. If you look back, every second 911 had a new body and frame. It seems Porsche is changing this time not that much as on previous evolutions. Anyway - compare the 993 with the 996 - a big step ahead. Something like this would be nice to see.
Lars, just one correction if you allow, the 911 until 993 had the same "frame"! The chassis had no big changes from 1963. Sorry my mistake, there was the longer wheel base in 1967 if I´m right. Ask any mechanic that knows a lot about 911 and he will tell you that apart from the mountings for the engine changes at the tunnel for gearbox and the 4wd latter the frame had no changes! Actually on a Carrera 3,2 you can put pannels from the 964 and on the 964 you could build very easy the body of a 993. And Gemballa had offers to change a 964 into a look a like 993. Maybe I´m not enirely correct but not every second generation had a new frame. And the term frame we use here it is not right because Porsche uses a body self. The Astons are build on a frame.
--
ALL PORSCHE ARE REAL PORSCHE!!!
Hi Ed,
thanks for the hint, so I didnt know all the story - shame on me
And yes I know that it is a "body self" and not frame but I think you got my point. The structure itself was the same and just body outside was different.
Feb 7, 2009 4:09:15 PM
Feb 7, 2009 4:47:41 PM
Ron (Houston):
Misha011:I would say the one in the back is probably the new 2nd wing.
Camo. on the roof and side arch
Two interesting parts on the roof ( w/out camo. ) . RHD variant , but now with refueling ' door ' on the left side .
( click to enlarge )
--
Happy Driving
I would say , both are wings / air diffusers that will rise ( 15-20 mm, or so) and tightly channel the air over the roof down the rear glass and towards the rear wing .
simmillar to this
Feb 8, 2009 9:09:13 AM
Ron (Houston):
Misha011:I would say the one in the back is probably the new 2nd wing.
Camo. on the roof and side arch
Two interesting parts on the roof ( w/out camo. ) . RHD variant , but now with refueling ' door ' on the left side .
( click to enlarge )
--
Happy Driving
Ron,another wing??
so for the Turbo we will have two BIG WINGS?
Feb 9, 2009 3:01:40 PM
Some new shots.
http://www.motorauthority.com/gallery/2011-porsche-911-targa-spy-shots/2011-porsche-911-targa-998-001.html
click to enlarge
Feb 9, 2009 3:36:12 PM
Feb 9, 2009 3:42:45 PM
Lars997:
I still think Porsche is strongly fooling us with the body of the current 997. Maybe the final product has some stronger changes??? (.... I know there is only a small chance but I would hope so)
Lars,
I believe they do. Just by looking at the camo car I can tell that the rear is wider the front seems a bit wider and it looks lower to the ground too. As far as the front lights it seems more upright (a la 964 / 993) to me. The camo rear reminds me of 959 rear but that's too good to be true .
All I can say is I can't wait to see the real thing.