Little by little, we’re learning more specific details regarding the next generation Porsche 911. Dubbed the 992 (the current 911 is the 991), it’s expected to have its global debut next November at the Los Angeles Auto Show, according to Autocar. While the exterior design, as with all 911s, will be evolutionary in nature, its platform will be unlike anything before it as it’ll be hybrid-ready. As Autocar reports, this platform structure is not only composed of more aluminum than its predecessor, but also with newly developed hot-formed high-strength steel.
This accomplishes several goals, among them increased strength, stiffness, and rigidity. But don’t expect the 992 911 to have a lower curb weight. Reason being is that Porsche will offer even more equipment and features. This new platform also results in a slightly larger car. Length will increase by about two centimeters. What some Porsche purists may find issue with is the fact that the engine, though still stationed at the rear, will be closer to the center of the vehicle than ever before. There’s a reason for that, and it’s called the Lamborghini Huracan and Audi R8 successors.
All three brands fall under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, so the new platform was designed to consist of “interchangeable modules in an overall matrix” enabling VW to save valuable time and money. The interior, as we’ve seen from spy shots, will be more advanced than ever, partially thanks to a new digital instrument panel and the latest touchscreen tech. Cabin space is also said to increase. And lastly, the engines themselves. The current turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six will stick around for both the Carrera and Carrera S, though it’s been improved for both performance and lower emissions. Output for the base Carrera and Carrera S is said to be 390 hp and 450 hp, a 20 hp and 30 hp increase, respectively.
In around 2022, the plug-in hybrid 911 will arrive with an output near 500 hp. We also suspect the transmission options will remain the same, a seven-speed PDK or seven-speed manual, though both will also receive some upgrades. We’ll doubtless learn more details as we get closer to fall once Porsche begins its new 911 marketing campaign in late summer.
