Porsche is out testing prototypes for its next-generation 911, the 992, which will be hitting the market soon. The latest prototypes, which show both the Carrera and Carrera S, are almost completely devoid of camouflage gear, and they also reveal most of the interior including a new digital dash.
Most of the new details can be found at the rear which sports a wide spoiler spanning the width of the car. The taillights also consist of one long strip that appears to follow the curve of the rear spoiler’s leading edge, and the exhaust tips are positioned slightly closer to the center of the rear bumper.
It also looks like the rear intakes are larger than on the current model. And at the front, we can see that the headlights are positioned at a slightly different angle than on the current 911.
2019 Porsche 911 spy video from Motor Authority on Vimeo.
From the earlier test mules, we know the next-gen 911 is slightly wider than the current model, as evidenced by wheel arch extensions the engineers tacked on. Underpinning the car is believed to be a new modular sports car platform developed by Porsche.
The platform will allow greater flexibility when it comes to positioning of the engines and suspension hardware. It will also enable Porsche to finally add hybrid technology to the 911, and possibly on more than one model.
The platform will also underpin next-generation versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman and possibly a next-gen Audi R8 as well as Lamborghini’s replacements for the Aventador and Huracán. While all of these models are mid-engined, the 911 retains its signature rear-engine mounting.
2019 Porsche 911 spy shots – Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
There could be a mid-engine 911 model at some point, though. Porsche already has a mid-engine 911 race car, and execs have hinted at a mid-engine 911 road car. Sadly, plans for a standalone mid-engine supercar from Porsche have been put on the backburner to free up resources for the development of electric car technology.
Expect the next-gen 911 to be introduced in late 2018 or early 2019, initially in base Carrera and Carrera S models. The car should arrive as a 2019 model. Shortly after the debut of the coupe, we’ll see the convertible.
Power for both will come from the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-6 that debuted in the 2017 911. The engine at present delivers 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet torque in the Carrera and 420 hp and 368 lb-ft in the Carrera S. Expect slightly more output in the new 911 Carrera models.
