Porsche, according to their wording, have released the first image of their next-generation 911. White that’s technically true, this first glimpse at a Type-992 car hardly gives us any real idea about what to expect from Zuffenhausen’s all-new signature sports car.
The prototype unit seen here in an immaculately white room is clearly wearing a production body, albeit one covered in what could be multiple layers of camouflage. Dimensionally, it does appear a little wider than the existing 991, with wheels that look to be placed closer to the corners.
Other than that, it looks like a 911 should, which is unsurprising given that Porsche rarely makes any drastic changes to the exterior formula. The iterative approach means that we would only grasp noticeable changes after decades, not in between generations.
Under the skin, though, this new model is likely to bring some rather unexpected ingredients into the mix. There’s no denying the rumour swirls that concern a possible hybrid 911. Indeed, Porsche has already set the stage for such a turn to electrification with their 918 Spyder hybrid hypercar and the subsequent adoption and proliferation of the e-Hybrid line in the Panamera and Cayenne. In the coming years, Porsche is due to launch their first full EV, a sporty four door based on the Mission E concept from 2015.
Previous changes to the 911’s powertrain have been met with criticism but ultimately have helped the car keep up with the changing times, whether that be to meet the demands of performance or emissions - often both. The most recent one being the shift to a predominantly turbocharged line-up of flat-six engines, leaving the only naturally aspirated options being the GT3 and GT3 RS.
Director of the 911 model line, August Achleitner, said: “We know where we’re from and where we want to go. The decisive factor is that the 911 generates a driving feeling that no other car can impart.”
“With each innovation, the decisive factor for me is whether it suits the character of the 911,” explains Achleitner. “We don’t necessarily have to be the first in this regard with the 911. What’s crucial, rather, is that every innovation be offered in a typical Porsche manifestation.”
