LA show: Porsche’s 992-series 911 edges closer
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 26th Nov 2018
PORSCHE has continued the teaser campaign for its 992-series 911 sportscar, this time releasing a 42-second video that again shows glimpses of the production model’s exterior design ahead of its international debut later this week.
Set to be revealed on the eve of the Los Angeles motor show on Wednesday, November 28 at 3.00pm (AEST), the 992 will represent another gradual evolution of the 911’s classic look.
In keeping with its pre-production prototypes shown earlier this month, the 911’s final exterior design maintains its predecessor’s fastback-style silhouette and other signature elements, albeit with a twist here and there.
The video also confirms the new 911’s availability of an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission – replacing the current seven-speed unit – and Matrix LED headlights, while confirmation of its other features will have to wait until the official debut.
Three low-resolution images leaked over the weekend have added to expectations, showing that the 992 is almost indistinguishable from other recent 911s, aside from its new squared-off bumpers, more pronounced wheelarches, flush doorhandles and slimmer tail-lights.
As reported, the 911’s interior is instead expected to undergo significant changes, including the adoption of Porsche’s larger touchscreen infotainment system, dual multi-information displays and a simplified centre stack and console.
Revisions to the 911’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat six-cylinder petrol engine are also in the pipeline, while foundations are expected to be laid for a plug-in hybrid version in the future.
The 911’s suite of advanced driver-assist systems is expected to expand with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality.
As per the current rear- or all-wheel-drive 911, Cabriolet and Targa body styles are expected to become available over the course of the 992’s model cycle, as are track-focused GT2 and GT3 variants.
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) head of public relations Chris Jordan previously told GoAuto that a local launch for the 992 model will come “not too far” behind its global release, probably around the middle of next year.
Sales of the 911 have boomed this year, with 470 examples sold to the end of October – a 21.4 per cent increase over the 387 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
As a result, the 911 is currently the best-selling sportscar in the $200,000-plus segment, outpacing Ferrari’s model line-up (197 units), Mercedes-AMG’s GT (154) and Aston Martin’s (121) and Lamborghini’s (102) coupe and convertible models, among others.
