The next 911, internally code-named the 991, is due out in late 2011 and will share several components with the 981 Boxster and Cayman. According to CAR's Porsche source, Mr. Durheimer, "The design can of course be evolutionary, but beneath the skin, almost anything is possible."

To the first point, Durheimer says that "there is no need for old-fashioned protruding door mirrors" and that the newly adopted pedestrian crash standards will cause Porsche to make obvious alterations to the front of the car. The rear will be reshaped to further enhance aerodynamics, along with a new active rear spoiler, adjustable front splitter, integrated "jet vents" in the wheel arches to keep the 911 planted at speed and a new floor pan design.

On the engineering front, the new dual-clutch PDK transmission will be around until 2018, when Porsche may implement a seven-speed CVT (!) into it's range-topping coupe. New materials are also part of the package, and with the knowledge gleaned from the Carrera GT, Porsche hopes to reduce the 911's curb weight by 10 percent through the use of composite materials replacing aluminum.

Within the next decade, Porsche plans to use more active steering and torque vectoring on its new models, along with next-generation PSM stability management, a water-level sensor to combat hydroplaning and, of all things, a parking system with a rear-mounted camera similar to that found on the Lexus LS range and some new Volkswagen products.

For the full story:

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...ontent-block=0

Harvey in Md

 

Thanks for posting the info.

Alot concerns me as to how Porsche is moving forward with the next-gen 911. Sounds like for the most part they are heading in the right direction. Sounds like what I've been dreading though: if you read between the lines of the article it sounds like Porsche engineers want a lighter, more technologically advanced and faster car; and Porsche marketers and the EU government want more creature comforts & crash protection, etc...which adds weight and kills the hope for better fuel efficiency.

I also hope that the new pedestrian crash standards don't kill the looks of just about every car, from every manufacturer, from here on out. Gotta love Western governments these days...they keep trying to save us from ourselves.

 

Now only if they can put in Auto head lights... ;-)

 

...and hopefully it won't be an uber-green 4-cylinder motor! LOL