The next 2012 Porsche 911 will be called the 991 and is supposed to come on sale in 2012. With a history of 48 years, the 911 has evolved into a true class-leading sports car.

Major changes are the extended wheelbase, a more extensive use of aluminum to save weight and substituting the previous hydraulic steering with an electro-mechanical steering. To be honest, the latter difference really worries the true 911 fans because the hydraulic power steering was so good that replacing it with an electro-mechanical system might ruin the steering feel. Happily, the engineers from Porsche confirmed that they in fact improved the feel of the steering.

The external size of the 2012 Porsche 911 is slightly bigger than the 997 second generation but the weight is actually lighter than the outgoing model by some kilos despite having larger rims and brakes. Other structural difference is the improved crash structures, brand new suspension components, slightly lower ride height and widened front wheel track. Interior layout will borrow heavily from the current Panamera and Cayenne which means there’s nothing short of luxury and sporty feeling about it.

2012 Porsche Panamera Blue

Porsche Panamera

Engines will still be the traditional flat-six line-up. The Carrera 2 base model will use a 3.4L flat-six which has the same bore and stroke as the Boxster S but different camshaft and exhaust system will be used to boost the power to a meaningful 350bhp. The Carrera S will retain the 3.8 liter engine but power is increased to more than 400bhp. Both of the engines’ emission will be significantly reduced and both will rev to 7800rpm.

Gearbox will remain the smooth and fast PDK dual clutch system with a quicker gearshift action. The shining point of the brand new Porsche 91(Porsche 991) perhaps is the unique manual gearbox which has seven forward gears. This is actually a manual version of the PDK gearbox. Gear ratio will be slightly sportier than the auto version.

With better engines, gearboxes and slightly lower kerb weight, the performance of the Porsche 991 or the new 911 is obviously brisker than the current 997 gen2. Figures are still to be confirmed but the 3.8 model is expected to go from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 sec and 4.8 sec for the 3.4 version.

More power and less weight means the old Carrera S’s 0-62mph time of 4.7sec is going to be toast. Porsche hasn’t published the numbers yet, but my money is on 4.5sec for the S and 4.8sec for the 3.4-litre car. Prices are still to be confirmed but a small price hike is expected.