Great Expectations _ 2011 Porsche 911

Porsche is one of the most recognized automotive sports car brands that touts some of the most subtle changes over the longest period of time for its iconic 911. The Porsche 911’s history will tell us not to expect much to be changed on the upcoming 2011 Porsche 911 but according to various sources such as Automobile Magazine, we may see a “big” change.

Over the past couple years Porsche has seen a decline in sales numbers for the 911 in-part due to the new Panamera and Cayenne sales. Other reasons for these numbers are rather obvious when look at the current economic conditions. A new fresh product for any automaker is a gamble but what if the ‘new’ product carries almost 50 years successful of history in the sports car market?

The newest Porsche 911, codenamed 991, will be ‘all-new’ incorporating new advancements such as a redesigned suspension, electrically-assisted power steering, push-button handbrake, optional twenty-inch wheels, seven-speed manual transmission and the obvious… more powerful engine availability. The new 911 will be about 100 pounds lighter and 10 percent more efficient than the current model.


Porsche 911 rendering (not an actual representation)

The rear-engine layout will remain the same with the rear axle pushed back about 3 inches. After all, this is a Porsche 911 we are talking about here. The efficiency of the new 911 will be mainly due to refined aerodynamics, battery management technology that incorporates start-stop technology with brake energy regeneration.

What else should we expect from the 2011 Porsche 911? How about 20-inch wheels, larger brake discs and six-piston front brake calipers for the Carrera S? Depending on the model, the 911 will be sitting about .4 to .8 inches lower. The base Carrera will have dual oval exhausts, 19-inch wheels, black brake calipers and the typical motorized tail spoiler that automatically extends at 60mph.

The 911’s evolution remains to be restrained from any drastic changes. As such, the Carrera will get a 3.4-liter 350hp direct-injection flat-six. If you are not taking notice, that is 5hp more than the current 3.8-liter. The Carrera S will get a 400hp 3.8-liter. Can’t wait to see what the Carrera S will do with 400 horsepower sent through a 7-speed manual tranny!

Expect to see a cabriolet version of the 911 a year after the coupe debuts. Supposedly the traditional canvas top is gone in place of a man-made fabric covered hard-top retractable roof. This only adds to our excitement… Can’t Wait!