Telltale signs that a new platform is residing under the familiar 997 sheet metal are the extended wheel arches, revealing a wider track is set to appear on the new model. This means the new car should be slightly bigger than the current model, while handling and dynamics should also see an improvement. The roll-cage fitted on this test car is another indication that the 998 platform is still in the early stages.
The current 997 Porsche 911 is still being updated for its mid-cycle refresh, with only the standard Carrera and Carrera 4, plus their performance ‘S’ variants, receiving the update. Still in the works is the new Turbo and the GT3 models and these aren’t expected to be revealed for several months at least. Now, a test mule has been spotted in Germany by our spy photographers, which suggests that Porsche engineers may have already begun testing the next-generation 998 model.
Given Porsche’s trend of updating its cars roughly every three to four years, the new 998 will likely appear towards the end of 2010 at the earliest.
It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards. The new PDK dual-clutch gearbox will also carry over as will a standard six-speed manual.
Source:motorauthority
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