2012 Porsche 911 spy shots...
Porsche is soon to launch its next-generation 911 and as can be seen by these latest spy shots, prototypes for the car appear to be almost complete. Shown in the least camouflage yet, the new 911 looks to be just as its predecessors have been: a variation on the classic theme, with some modern tweaks. But just as the continuity of looks in previous cars have masked major mechanical changes, so to will the next-gen 911.
We first started seeing test-mules for the 2012 Porsche 911 back in 2008 and soon after that Porsche's chief of research and development, Wolfgang Dürheimer, revealed some details of what to expect for the new car.
Speaking of the new car, Dürheimer said, "'it will be even more competent, even sexier, even more unique. The design can of course only be evolutionary, but beneath the skin, almost anything is possible". The 2012 Porsche 911, known internally as 'project 991', will feature a few radical departures from the 911's long-running classical styling.
The changes are out of necessity more than anything, but they will be noticeable. First, pedestrian protection rules in Europe will require a change to the nose section of the car, likely meaning a larger and more collapsible bumper section. The rear of the car will also be changed, but for aerodynamic improvement.
Clear differences between the new model and the current 997 are the more upright headlights, a slightly longer body, and the side mirrors are now positioned at the side of the doors and not at the window.
Other new features for the car will include extensive use of lightweight carbon-fiber materials and active aerodynamics--surfaces that react to what the car is doing, and how fast it's doing it. Expect adjustable front and rear spoilers plus dynamically opening and closing air intakes.
It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates--possibly for emissions and economy standards. The new PDK dual-clutch gearbox will also carry over as will a standard 6-speed manual. Rumors of a possible four-cylinder addition to the 911 lineup, effectively bringing back the 912, and the revival of the 914 are shaking things up. However, at this point nearly anything seems possible.
Porsche-991-spy-pics_MotorAuthority-link
I don't know, maybe it's just me but I don't want to see that kind of cars on a porsche dedicated forum (no matter what tiny connection there is with the porker; in this case, that they also had a fabric covered metal roof). Simply put, they make me PUKE, and therefore very reluctant in checking this page again 
