New Porsche 911 Shows its Panamera-Style Snout in South Africa

Once again, Carscoop's photographers have caught the all-new generation of Porsche's 911 sports car series testing. However, this time, they snagged a barely camouflaged prototype not in Germany, but in South Africa. And even though our man with the camera wasn't able to capture a crystal clear shot of the front end of the 2012MY 911, it's fairly obvious that the styling is heavily influenced by the Panamera.

From there on, despite some changes here and there such as the exterior mirrors that are mounted on the doors instead of on the window frame, the redesigned tail lamps and a slightly lower roofline, the basic silhouette and proportions remain the same. An extensive aerodynamic package with an active front spoiler and variable air-intakes, is believed to be in development.

We expect more differences inside the cabin with some fresh bits and pieces borrowed directly from the Cayenne and Panamera parts bins.

The new model, codenamed '991', may look eerily similar to today's generation of the 911, but underneath the body there's a revised platform that has grown a few inches in length and width. Furthermore, Porsche's engineering team is also said to have made good use of exotic and lightweight materials to reduce the sports car's overall weight.

The 911's engine lineup will be revised with upgraded six-cylinder boxer units boasting the latest technological advancements including direct injection and start/stop systems for gains in power as well as reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At launch, Porsche will offer two variants - the Carrera and more powerful Carrera S models, with the Turbo and other versions such as the GT2 and GT3 to follow down the line.

Delivering power to the rear or to all four wheels will be a standard six-speed manual gearbox (depending on the model) joined by an optional seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppel Kupplung) twin-clutch transmission with shift paddles behind the wheel.

Chances are that Porsche will choose its home show in Frankfurt, Germany, next year to present the world premiere of the new 911.

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Porsche Teases 918 Spyder Scale Model During Investment Announcement

Besides announcing that it's going to invest €150 million in the Weissach research and development center, Porsche also released an image featuring a scale model of the 918 Spyder possibly providing us with our best view yet of the production model. Presented at this year's Geneva Motor Show as a concept model, the 918 Spyder is set to continue the Carrera GT's legacy, albeit in a more ecological manner.

The design study featured a 500 hp 3.4-liter V8 and a pair of electric motors, the latter delivering another 218 ponies (160 kW). The German maker said at the time that the new supercar could beat the Carrera GT on the Nordschleife.

As for the scale model pictured here, there are a few differences, but certainly not enough to confirm that were seeing the final production version's lines. The clay model seems to have a more swooping boot lid, different door panels and only one exhaust pipe on each side of the car.

As for the investment announcement itself, Porsche said the Weissach facility will get a new high-tech wind tunnel and an innovative electronics integration center. Porsche is also keen on closely working with electrical system suppliers and electronics experts.

"The close interaction of our suppliers' various electrical system/electronics experts and colleagues from related specialist fields during development will contribute significantly to the success of our work, particularly in the case of electronics, which now play a role in virtually every vehicle component" said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Research and Development.

By Csaba Daradics

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