Back to the 997 - except with 8 cyl

[84porsche]

Eight for 911? Porsche's next-generation 997 could come with eight-cylinders


Designated 997, the next-generation Porsche 911 is well on its way to a 2004 introduction as engineers are busy putting it through its paces in hot-weather desert testing.

The new car has flared wheel arches and doorsill extensions, which could mean big news for 911 enthusiasts all over the world: a significantly increased rear-track width. The wider track will mean even more impressive handling, but more importantly, increased space in the engine bay would provide room for an eight-cylinder engine for the first time in a 911.

Porsche is not confirming any plans for a possible eight-cylinder version of the 911. Instead, the company has hinted at an evolution of the existing 315-hp, 3.6-liter flat-six engine, possibly pushing it to 3.8 liters and 350 hp. It remains unclear what configuration an eight-cylinder engine would take—the 450-hp, 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 planned for the Cayenne sport/ute, or a 5.0-liter flat eight capable of producing 450 hp before turbocharging. An eight-cylinder would be offered in addition to the six-cylinder.

The new car is also longer, higher and wider than the existing facelifted 911. When the new model debuts, it will be offered as a coupe and convertible.

Taken from Autoweek -

It is a scary possibility - if so how much more??

[Aussie]

I hope they havent lost the plot and are going to make the 997 into a modern day 928.

[Wil Ferch]

Let's see some effort to bring weight down....this constantly escalating, small creep in weight is an insiduous cancer.....

---Wil

[RickM]

If true our 6 cylinder cars will be the 356s and 912s of yesterday.

Fast Forward 10 years from now..... "Oooh (sneer) you have one of those 6 cylider models....."

[JeremyD]

OK - That does it. I want to be the first one on the block with a flat eight in an early 911...

[JMar]

Wow I hope to see a V8 but they need to be sure to make it light other wise forget it.

[84porsche]

Well as you have seen around here - someone had the Chevy V-8 in a 911 but that was just wrong.
I bet Porsche could do a much better job. Maybe they should be the Carrera GT engine in a 911.

[Patronus]

Have the 997 not been launched in your countries????? They're already selling the 997 here in South Africa. Saw one at Porsche Centre in Johannesburg, and some of our clients are already test driving them.

[84porsche]

Not sure on the official release - probably won't be on sale for a couple of months though.

[svandamme]

it's officially announced over here, prices , specs , the works, date...17 juli

also new specs from the Turbo, which will remain 996, but will be called Turbo S

[cegerer]

I just looked at a complete official Porsche AG 997 brochure/booklet at Monk's Motors yesterday. Basically the same photos as what has been on the internet. I suspect this was printed at least a few months ago.

I'm doubting the Cayenne V8 - it doesn't seem to be packaged correctly for a mid or rear engine application. The flat 8 would be VERY cool.

[Wayne 962]

Doubtful they would design a whole new engine (Flat-8), but they would simply swap in the Cayenne engine that they have already spent gazillions of dollars developing.

In fact, now that I think of it, it would seem silly not to offer the 911 with this engine...

-Wayne

[Milu]

Originally posted by Aussie
I hope they havent lost the plot and are going to make the 997 into a modern day 928.

Nah!

That was the 996

[nostatic]

wouldn't a v8 in the back result in weight balance disadvantages? I thought having the flat engine helped keep the cg low.

Speaking of weight, did anyone read the article about the 550 anniversary Boxster? They compared it to a stock '97 Boxster, and actually the old one fared well despite having 65 less horsepower...because the new Boxster had bloated from 2700lbs to well over 3K.