Porsche’s 911 is the company’s all-time best-selling model, with one of the richest histories in all of motoring. The current 997 generation of the 911 is in the middle of its product cycle, part way through a facelift updating it with the latest dual-clutch and direct-injection technology. The next-generation 998 model, shown here in testing, is already being developed by engineers to take the car to new technological and performance heights.
The current 997 Porsche 911 range is still being updated as part of the facelift refresh, with only the standard Carrera and Carrera 4, plus their performance ‘S’ variants, having received the update. The 911 Turbo and the GT3 models’ facelifts are still in the pipeline, not expected to be revealed for several months at least.
Key differences hint at the underlying next-generation design
Telltale signs that a new platform is residing under the familiar 997 sheet metal include the extended wheel arches, which indicate the new model may be set to receive a wider track. This means the new car should also be slightly bigger inside and out than the current model, while handling and dynamics could also see an improvement thanks to the broader stance.
The roll-cage fitted on this test car is another indication that the 998 platform is still in the early stages, but already being used for high-speed testing.
Engine, chassis and gearbox updates but much is still hazy
It’s still too early to determine with precision what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but the familiar flat-six engine range is expected to carry over with only minimal updates, which will likely be focused on emissions and fuel economy standards. The new 911 will spend a fair portion of its life cycle under stringent new EU and U.S. regulations regarding fuel consumption and Porsche will need to focus its efforts to avoid serious penalties under either scheme.
The new PDK dual-clutch gearbox will also carry over as will a standard six-speed manual. The move to the PDK transmission presages the economy improvements Porsche will be making, and the philosophy with which they’ll be made. Improving fuel efficiency and emissions is important, but so too is maintaining a suitably high level of performance and comfort - all areas in which the dual-clutch technology excels.
Given Porsche’s trend of updating its cars roughly every four to six years, the new 998 will likely appear towards the end of 2010 at the earliest, and an Australian release in 2011. The 996 version ran from 1998 until 2004 globally, with the 997 model taking its place from 2004 to the present.
