Not sure of the reliablity of the information but a good read none the less

Porsche 911 Turbo


Flat-eight on deck



The 997-series 911 range is almost ready for launch: first up this spring will be six-cylinder Carrera Coupe models, and further variants will follow at six-month intervals - Cabriolet and targa-topped Carreras, a more comfort-biased S, Carrera 4 4WD models and the all-out Turbo and GT versions. The Turbo snapped here shows its aggressive styling, with eye-catching air scoops for the engine and brakes - similar to those on the Carrera GT - and the retro-look circular headlamps which will appear on all 997 models. It will be fitted with a revised version of the current Turbo's 3.6 flat-six bi-turbo engine, enlarged to 3.8 litres and giving around 450bhp (30bhp more than the current car) thanks to a revised ECU, an increase in turbo boost pressure and modifications to the VarioCam variable valve timing system. Porsche is thought not to have fitted direct injection, although this technology is said to be ready to go in its high-performance models.

Six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes will be offered, developed from the current transmissions to cope with more torque, and later on, a double-clutch sequential clutchless 'box will be available too, a similar set-up to Audi's DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) technology. Acceleration 0-60mph is said to be down to around 3.7 seconds.

The 997 will be longer, taller and wider than the current model, and the range could even feature an eight-cylinder engine: the engine bay is said to be large enough to accommodate one, thanks to the widened rear track. The 450bhp, 4.5-litre bi-turbo unit used in the Cayenne would be an obvious choice of engine to fit, but rumours suggest that Porsche is working on a 5.0-litre flat-eight, which produces 450bhp even in normally-aspirated form. This version could well be badged 'S', to distinguish it from the six-cylinder model, which will probably use the current 3.6-litre, 315bhp engine, enlarged to 3.8 litres to deliver 350bhp, an upgrade which could appear in the last of the 996-series coupes. The standard-fit transmission will be an all-new sequential manual set-up.

Modifications are also said to include revised seats and instrumentation but unlike most new-generation models, this 911 is expected to be noisier than the outgoing model - owners have complained, apparently, that the car was sounding a bit tame and over-refined.

But don't think Porsche is playing it too safe: whilst the 911 is not too radical a departure, there are rumours of more 'interesting' models to come out of Leipzig. German magazine Auto Motor und Sport wrote recently of a two-door "Kombi-Coupe" to rival the BMW M3, powered by the V8 engine - mounted at the front.

 

I'm lovin the general shape of that rear wing... it looks sick!

 

These are the first pictures that I have seen that are making me excited for the unveiling of the 997 - Good find Darren

 

It's about time the Turbo got a real rear wing again!

 

Notice any similarities with these??????






How about these??????

 

goood!!! at least it doesn't look like the beetle

 

Those pictures are from the very North of Sweden

 

:drool:

Damn, sexy.

 

We'll have to wait and see but personally I don't like the size of the intakes in the rear quarter. It reminds me of the bulbous front and rear of the 959, which didn't seem to flow but rather looked added-on. Until we see the actual car, all of this is speculation at best.

 

IMO the front looks like a VW Beetle... Techart had better made an upgrade to the 996-style headlights...

 

Looks ok...however, for an 30 extra horses, im going to pass on the 997 and wait for the 998 which is supposedly going to have an 8 cylinder biturbo.

Who knows...maybe Porsche will surprise us all and introduce the 997TT with an 8 cylinder biturbo engine???

Wishful thinking on my part....well... not really, since I have a nice little mod list planned for my car...i'd like to enjoy it a few more years.

 

back to the whale tail!!

 

Very nice! It has a lot of the 993 lines.

 

I asked a friend of mine who works for PCNA (a Regional Sales Manager) about the 997 Turbo's engine configuration (specifically how many cylinders), and he refused to comment. You would think if Porsche was sticking with a six cylinder he would have had no problem saying so.

 

-"Just when I thought I was out they pull me right back in..."- i LOVE the look of it! looks like i'm not saying goodbye to porsche for very long. will keep elise for a year or two and then will be getting this tt. g-d , good thing i'm like this with cars and not women!