I do not know the reliablity of this 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.

 

Very interesting...

 

I will believe anything I see printed

 

That thing looks outrageous! There is something big back there, I don't think it's a flat 6. Lets see, Porsche has a TT V-8 and a V10 available "off the shelf" so to speak, and they have built flat -8s before... this could be interesting.

 

heres higher res pic of the first one darren posted
http://www.thecarconnection.com/imag...7788_image.jpg

 

I have a source that says the 997 Turbo won't be out for two more years.

 

And IF that is the case, that would mean year 2 of an expected 3 year run for the 997. Doubt they'd produce a one year turbo. I'd bet the 998 turbo would be the answer, unless the 997 runs longer than 3 years ('05-'06-'07 expected model years).

But then maybe they'd do a 997 Turbo for '07 model year, just before bringing out the 998 - naaaahhhhh.

 

I think I might hold off buying an 996 turbo...buy the next m5 and then grab a 997 turbo.. Im putting a deposit down... I feel the 996's are gonna tank in value soon

 

Isn't it funny how we plan our car purcheses years in advance!!!!

 

Its a sickness!!!