The ninth generation of Porsche’s iconic sports car is code-named 991 and, at a first glance, is quite similar to its predecessor, the 997. However, as with any 911 in the model’s 48 year- history, appearances can be deceiving.

Although it sports similar external dimensions, the new 911 has a new bodywork, a 100 mm longer wheelbase and reduced height which, combined with the wider front track, the repositioned mirrors and the new headlights, give it a more dynamic look while still retaining the signature 911 shape.

The new 911 features an aluminum-steel body that offers significantly increased rigidity as well as a 45 kg weight reduction. Thanks to improved aerodynamics and the wider extending rear spoiler, the new Carrera has reduced lift without increasing its drag coefficient.

In contrast to the bodywork, the interior is completely different. Porsche says that it drew inspiration from the Carrera GT, with the centre console rising up to meet the driver and a high-mounted shift lever located close to the steering wheel in typical motor sport fashion. Classic Porsche elements have been retained, such as the instrument cluster with five round instruments, of which one of them is a high resolution multifunction screen, as well as the central rev counter and the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

At launch, the new 911 will be offered in two formats, the base Carrera and the sportier Carrera S. Both are available with either a new 7-speed manual gearbox or the dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission.

The Carrera is powered by a new version of the flat-six engine with a displacement of 3.4-liters and a maximum output of 257 kW. Despite the new engine’s reduced capacity (the base 997 had 3.6-liters), the Carrera accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds when equipped with the PDK transmission, and 4.4 seconds when the Sport Chrono package is specified. When equipped with the PDK, fuel consumption is just 8.2 L/100km and its CO2 emissions fall, for the first time ever in a Porsche, below the 200 g/km mark at 194 g/km.

The 3.8-litre engine that powers the Carrera S has an output of 294 kW, up from 283 kW, and enables the sportscar to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds with the PDK transmission and 4.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. Yet its average consumption is 14% lower, at 8.7 L/100 km and its CO2 emissions are 205 g/km. The improved fuel efficiency is achieved through the addition of an auto stop/start system, better thermal management, electrical system recuperation, a new electro-mechanical steering wheel and the new 7-speed gearboxes.

Along with the wider front tracks and the longer wheelbase, the 991 also gets a new rear axle and, for the first time in the Carrera S, Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system as an option.

Even though the new 911 will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13, Porsche announced that it is taking orders from September 1st and the car’s launch will take place just two days later. Local deliveries can be expected in the first quarter of 2012. Pricing for South Africa has not been finalised.

The 2012 Porsche 911 has been spied more times than we can count, but the first official images have apparently leaked to the web ahead of the car’s unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

As always, the styling of the new ’991′ 911 is a story of evolution, its designers drawing on the DNA of the coupe’s many predecessors while tweaking a few chromosomes here and there. The standout styling changes include sleeker Daytime Running Lights in the front bumper, door-mounted side mirrors and a longer and lower roofline.

The rear-end has been given slender LED tail-lights, which are headlined by a strong ‘boot-line’ that reminds us of the 918 Spyder Hybrid sports car, while the lines of the engine hatch immediately conjure images of the Audi A7′s tailgate.

The cabin appears significantly improved with higher quality materials and a design that mimics the Cayenne and Panamera. A quick glance reveals a sloping center console, additional trim and updated switchgear.

While the new 911′s technical details have yet to be confirmed, the entry-level model is expected to employ a 3.4-litre flat-six engine with 257 kW. Moving up the range, the Carrera S will reward drivers with 294 kW, while the Turbo is rumored to have an output of approximately 405 kW. Expect these variants to be offered with either a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, or Porsche’s new seven-speed manual transmission.

With a full reveal expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the arrival of the new Porsche 911 is less than 1 month away and we wouldn’t be surprised to see more images hit the web in the coming weeks.

Here are the latest and some of the best shots yet of the next-generation 2012 Porsche 911. Porsche has been testing prototypes of the next 911 for nearly two years now and this current set of pics reveals both cabrio and coupe prototypes wearing far less camo than we’ve seen before.

The 911 will clearly remain the classic car we all know and love, but a few adjustments in the rear can be noted, including a new design line between the set of lights and an adjustable spoiler.

The Porsche 911 will also get a few significant technical improvements with a start/stop system and regenerative braking as the company continues its road toward more efficient and environmental models. The engine range should be upgraded with a new 3.6-litre, flat 6-cylinder being used (272 kW and 400 Nm of torque). The Carrera S will be fitted with a modified 3.8-litre unit with 309 kW and 440 Nm. A six speed manual might be available, but it’s more likely we’ll see the 7-speed PDK appear.

Adapted from WorldCarFans

Porsche will reveal a new incarnation of the iconic 911 at next year’s Frankfurt motor show. The company is hoping to win back traditional customers in the face of tough supercar competition and reaffirm its future under the guise of parent company Volkswagen.

The new 911 will head further upmarket from its current positioning and allow Porsche to reshuffle its model line-up in readiness for the introduction of a new entry-level mode, to be developed in partnership with VW.

Codenamed 991, the heavily re-engineered coupé and cabriolet are set to go on sale in the UK in October 2011. They will get freshened exterior styling, a higher-quality interior, more powerful yet highly fuel-efficient six-cylinder boxer engines, sharpened dynamics and a greater list of high-end options.

Porsche has traditionally made big changes to the 911 every second generation, so while today’s 997 is regarded as a heavily facelifted version of its predecessor, the new 991 has been developed from a clean sheet of paper.

Weissach engineers are hopeful that its features will allow it to continue through to the next model, due in 2017, without any significant or costly modifications.

via AutoCar