LA show: Porsche teases new-gen 911
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 16th Nov 2018
PORSCHE has teased its upcoming eighth-generation 911 sportscar ahead of its global debut at the Los Angeles motor show later this month.
The German car-maker used Facebook and Twitter to reveal the shape of the all-new coupe via a short 12-second video, with the accompanying tagline ‘Timeless machine’ and ‘Desig911’ .
While the shadowy video does not reveal much, the 911’s silhouette is clearly visible and it does not represent a massive departure from the current generation that was launched globally in 2012.
What can be gleaned is that the 992-series 911 will gain new headlights, fresh tail-lights with a light bar that stretches across the rear – similar to the Cayenne and Panamera – and an updated tachometer.
The new 911 has been spotted testing a number of times in the past 12 months, with very little camouflage, leaving no doubt about the design.
It is expected to be a larger car overall compared with the outgoing model, with pedestrian impact protection regulations forcing the company to extend the length.
Porsche is also expected to roll out its digital instrument cluster to the new-gen 911, following on from the Cayenne, Panamera and updated Macan.
Bigger changes are expected under the bonnet, with a heavily revised 3.0-litre flat six engine that will likely be offered in various states of tune.
According to British publication Autocar, it will be offered with a seven-speed manual transmission, while a new ZF eight-speed dual-clutch will replace the outgoing seven-speed unit.
Porsche reportedly also has petrol-electric hybrid versions of the 911 coming, but it is unclear when they will be added to the line-up.
Cabriolet and Targa body styles, as well as high-performance GT3 variants will be progressively rolled out following the initial launch.
Australian timing is yet to be confirmed but the new 911 is expected to hit showrooms next year.
