2011 Porsche 911 Carrera: Next Generation Model Spied

Not that Porsche really needs to camouflage its next generation 911 as even non-Porschephiles are aware of the fact that every 911 stylistically resembles the previous, sometimes even an earlier model. However, it would be unfair to support that nothing has changed on the new 911 that is internally called the 998. Scheduled to arrive in late 2011, Porsche's new bread-and-butter model will wear the 'same-old' 911 suit refreshed with styling cues from the new Panamera sport sedan, mainly in what concerns the front-end design.


Other than that, these latest spy shots of an early prototype model show that the new 911 sports a lower roofline and a visibly wider rear track, while it also appears that the car has slightly grown in length. The heavily camouflaged rear-end that carefully hides the pop-up wing spoiler leaves a lot to the imagination.

What is clearly visible is the discreet roof spoiler mounted above the rear window that belongs to an extensive aero package that is said to significantly improve the 911's aerodynamics on the move.

We don't know all the details, but it is rumored that the package will also include an active front lip spoiler, variable front air intake(s) while some suggest that Porsche will go even as far as replacing the door mirrors with video cameras. As for the side air-vents seen in the prototype model, we're not quite sure of what to make of them as there is a strong possibility that they are fake.

Despite the fact that Porsche recently updated the current 911's six-cylinder boxer engines in the vehicle's latest facelift in 2008, expect to see some improvements in terms of performance as well as in fuel consumption and emissions. That said, the naturally-aspirated flat-six in the basic Carrera and Carrera S models could produce around 360 and 400 horsepower respectively.



Depending on the version, power will channeled to the rear-wheels or to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or the optional seven-speed double clutch PDK gearbox which may receive some minor tweaks by then.

The first 911 models to hit the market will be the Carrera and Carrera S coupes in late 2011 followed shortly after by the convertible and targa models, and later on, the Turbo, GT2 and GT3 variants.

Hyundai Tiburon Successor that's Planned for 2011

With the new, rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe already available on the market, Hyundai is now concentrating on the successor of the Tiburon (called Hyundai Coupe in Europe and other markets) that is scheduled to be introduced in 2011. Speaking with Autoweek magazine, John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, revealed that the firm's new coupe will be positioned below the current Tiburon in terms of size and more importantly, in price. If you're thinking in the likes of the long-gone Honda CRX, you're probably right. It will have a lower price point, kind of eco sport positioning, where it is not going to be all about performance," Krafcik said. "It is going to be very fuel efficient. It is going to be stylish, a real nice complement to the Genesis coupe," he added.


Krafcik also noted that the new coupe will share a front-wheel platform with the Hyundai Accent and Elantra and that it will be offered with an entry-level 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, adding that the car's styling will draw its inspiration from the Veloster 2+2 coupe concept that was revealed at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.We can't say that we're surprised with Krafcik's revelations as it was apparent that Hyundai would follow a different road with the Tiburon's successor after the introduction of the sportier and more powerful, RWD Genesis Coupe.