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[facelifted]Porsche 911 (997)
Following the launch of the controversially-styled Cayenne 4x4, Porsche isn't going to take any risks with the next-generation (997-series) 911 - it looks like a fairly straightforward evolution. But the 997 will be longer, taller and wider than the current model, and could even feature an eight-cylinder engine: the engine bay is said to be large enough to accommodate one, thanks to the widened rear track. The 450 bhp, 4.5-litre bi-turbo unit used in the Cayenne would be an obvious choice of engine to fit, but rumours suggest that Porsche is working on a 5.0-litre flat-eight, which produces 450 bhp even in normally-aspirated form. This version could well be badged 'S', to distinguish it from the six-cylinder model, which will probably use the current 3.6-litre, 315 bhp engine, enlarged to 3.8-litres to deliver 350 bhp, an upgrade which could appear in the last of the 996-series coupes. The standard-fit transmission will be an all-new sequential manual set-up.
There are said to be no less than thirteen variants of the 997 scheduled, starting with the six-cylinder Carrera Coupe in spring 2004. New models will be rolled out at six-month intervals, with cabriolet and targa models to follow, and both Turbo and GT variants as well as the S. The S is likely to be more comfort-orientated than the all-out Turbos and GTs, and will come in coupe, targa or cabriolet form. Expect also Carrera 4 4WD models.
But don't think Porsche is playing it too safe: whilst the 911 is not too radical a departure, there are rumours of more 'interesting' models to come out of Leipzig. German magazine Auto Motor und Sport wrote recently of a two-door "Kombi-Coupe" to rival the BMW M3, powered by the V8 engine - mounted at the front. On a more mainstream note, there will be another upgrade to the only recently-tweaked Boxster; in late 2003, its engine will be enlarged to 3.3-litres to deliver 275 bhp, and it will receive a minor facelift.
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Props To Huby
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10-19-2002 01:03 AM
