New 2012 Porsche 911 cabrio (project 991)

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• New Porsche 911 cabrio (project 991)
• New 2012 Porsche 911 spy shots

Porsche is now less than a year away from launching its next-generation Porsche 911 and as can be seen by these latest spy shots, prototypes for the car appear to be almost complete. Earlier this year we brought you spy shots of the latest prototype for the 911 Carrera hard-top, and today we have new shots of the 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

We first started seeing test-mules for the new Porsche 911 back in 2008 and soon after that Porsche’s chief of research and development, Wolfgang Dürheimer, revealed some details of what to expect for the new car.

Speaking of the new car, Dürheimer said, “‘it will be even more competent, even sexier, even more unique. The design can of course only be evolutionary, but beneath the skin, almost anything is possible”. The 2012 Porsche 911, known internally as ‘project 991’, will feature a few radical departures from the 911’s long-running classical styling.

The changes are out of necessity more than anything, but they will be noticeable. First, pedestrian protection rules in Europe will require a change to the nose section of the car, likely meaning a larger and more collapsible bumper section. The rear of the car will also be changed, but for aerodynamic improvement.

Clear differences between the new model and the current 997 are the more upright headlights, a slightly longer body, and the side mirrors are now positioned at the side of the doors and not at the window.

Other new features for the car will include extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber materials and active aerodynamics–surfaces that react to what the car is doing, and how fast it’s doing it. Expect adjustable front and rear spoilers, dynamically opening and closing air intakes and an automatic rear wing.

As for powertrains, reports coming out of Germany claim power in the base Carrera will stand at 345 horsepower from a 3.4-liter boxer engine, downsized 200 ccs from the current engine. Step up to the Carrera S, however, and you’re expected to get a bigger 3.8-liter engine and 395 horsepower.

We still have a long wait to get the final word, however, as the 2012 Porsche 911 isn’t due until September’s 2011 Frankfurt Auto.

[motorauthority.com]