Spy Pics: 998 Porsche 911 test mule

Porsche News · 21 Jul 2008

The current 997 Porsche 911 is still being updated for its mid-cycle refresh, with only the standard Carrera and Carrera 4, plus their performance 'S' variants, receiving the update. Still in the works is the new Turbo and the GT3 models and these aren't expected to be revealed for several months at least. Now, a test mule has been spotted in Germany by our spy photographers, which suggests that Porsche engineers may have already begun testing the next-generation 998 model.

Telltale signs that a new platform is residing under the familiar 997 sheet metal are the extended wheel arches, revealing a wider track is set to appear on the new model. This means the new car should be slightly bigger than the current model, while handling and dynamics should also see an improvement. The roll-cage fitted on this test car is another indication that the 998 platform is still in the early stages.

It's still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards. The new PDK dual-clutch gearbox will also carry over as will a standard six-speed manual.

Given Porsche's trend of updating its cars roughly every three to four years, the new 998 will likely appear towards the end of 2010 at the earliest.

Maxie · 21 Jul 2008

Wider wheel arches? Yes please! The current 997 has you looking twice to see if it's a 2 or 4 wheel drive model, IMO.

~ Maxie

ResB · 21 Jul 2008

It'll be the 991 I understand. :?:

Maxie · 21 Jul 2008

Yeah - that's what I read as well actually. I think nerds like you are in the know ResB.... :wink:

~ Maxie

sutchy · 22 Jul 2008

Does anyone think that car is actually good looking? Am I missing something!?

:?:

Disco · 22 Jul 2008

sutchy said:
Does anyone think that car is actually good looking? Am I missing something!?

:?:

Since it is an engineering mule, it is supposed to _not_ be good looking. It was either that or a half mile of gaffer tape...

:roll:

Maxie · 6 Sep 2008

Just saw this:

~ Maxie

911 PJ · 18 May 2009

Maxie said:
Just saw this:

~ Maxie

Ha! Looks like some pathetic Photoshop IMO. I'd rather eat my head than stare at the front of that!

Spy Pics: 998 Porsche 911 test mule

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