Porsche to keep current 911 going for 14 years, 911 Cabriolet to debut next

Porsche’s remodeled 991 has been created by Michael Mauer, known for his work with Saab and Mercedes, and made to last, as the brand plans on keeping it for the next 14 years.

The coupe for the new generation 911’s was revealed at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, with several models to follow in the future. Since this model is such a crucial one for the Porsche brand, the automaker plans on enhancing its prominence with the new upcoming variations.

A 911 Cabriolet will be the first to follow the coupe, with a top constructed of lightweight panels covered in a soft fabric to conceal breaks in the pieces.

A four-wheel drive 911, or the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, will hit the pavement as of December 2012.

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Click here for our original post on the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera.

Two versions the same six-cylinder motors will be the only available for the first year and a half of the 991 generation’s production. Following is a 3.4-liter direct-injection motor that puts out 350-hp at 280 lb-ft for the C2/C4, and a 400hp, 325 lb-ft of torque 3.8-liter version for the C2S/C4S, standard with two-stage free-flow exhausts, switchable manifolds, and adjustable camshafts.

The next 911 Turbo Coupe gets 520hp courtesy of a 3.8-liter flat six. This model is scheduled for debut in 2013, along with the new 911 GT3 powered by an n/a horizontally opposed six-cylinder. The year after brings the release of the wide body soft top model.

By early 2014, the 911 Targa should have a new replacement with an old roof concept, with a folding removable top and heated glass backlight.

That same year could see an additional release of a 991 Speedster that could easily take after the 991 cabriolet, with a loaded version and a minimalist counterpart.

Porsche plans on going green further down the line with potential for a 911 plug-in hybrid, also.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera comes from a new 3.4 liter boxer 6-cylinder making 350-hp. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S is powered by a 3.8 liter boxer making 400-hp. Mated to a Porsche’s PDK 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 911 Carrera runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 4.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package’s Launch Control function. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S with a PDK goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and 3.9 seconds with the Launch Control function of the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top speed for the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera comes in at 188 mph and 179 mph, respectively. Prices start $82,100 for the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and $96,400 for the 2012 911 Carrera S.

– By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CAR
Photo Rendering: Teamspeed