Porsche Teases Us With Pictures of the Revised 911

2017 Porsche 911 (Credit: © Porsche)

Recently, Porsche has taken the odd route of spying its own cars and releasing the images. As odd as it seems, we are the beneficiaries, as we now have these crisp and clear “spy” images that show off the refreshed 991-generation 911, which will likely carry the unofficial 991.2 name.

Like all 911 refreshes, the actually differences take a side-by-side comparison and a very keen eye. In these shots, however, even this doesn’t help much, as a lot of the changes are hidden under light camo. I can make out that the front apron is slightly updated with “fangs” that are straighter up and down and larger outer air inlets, the headlights are updated, and the chin spoiler is larger.

On the rear, there are a few more updates. These include what look like revised taillights that wrap further around the rear fender (it’s hard to tell if these are Porsche’s infamous pasties or the real deal) and exhaust outlets that are closer to the center of the redesigned rear bumper.

Other changes should include some new wheels and a mildly updated cabin with more technology.

2017 Porsche 911 (Credit: © Porsche)

The biggest change in store for the 991.2 will be what’s under the hood of the 911 Carrera models. In years past, the 911 Carrera always had a naturally aspirated engine, leaving the Turbo models as the only ones with boost. In this revision, Porsche will replace the 3.4-liter engine in the Carrera and the 3.8-liter unit in the Carrera S with a turbocharged 3.0-liter.

The 3.0-liter engine will be structurally the same between the Carrera and the Carrera S, but the output will vary. According to a report from Auto Bild, this new 3.0-liter engine should inject at least 20 extra horsepower and some extra torque into the two Carrera models, which will result in enhanced performance.

While the addition of boost may seem like a slight to the brand in the eyes of many traditionalists, it is necessary to keep pace with the rest of the automotive industry. What’s more, with modern turbocharging technology becoming so advanced, it shouldn’t negatively impact the way the 911 drives. If anything, it’ll make it even more exciting.

Look for the new 911 to makes its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, which kicks off for us press folks on September 15th.