A British publication has confirmed what we’ve long suspected: even though the 991-range Porsche 911 is relatively new, the range will receive a facelift in the third quarter of next year… And when it’s revealed, all models except the GT3 versions will have turbocharged engines.
Earlier this year we reported that pictures of a facelifted 911 Turbo (pictured) had surfaced and that we’d seen one of those Turbos being tested in South Africa. The examples we saw appeared to have 918-inspired rear lights as well as rear parking cameras.
However, we also saw some standard 911s undergoing testing, and they had distinct turbocharged exhaust notes. Recently British Car reported that for the range update, Porsche will reduce the displacement of the Carrera’s flat-six from 3,4 to 2,9 litres and, combined with forced induction, the engine will develop approximately 298 kW and 542 N.m.
As for S models, the magazine claims that the boxer motor’s 3,8-litre capacity will remain as is, but with the addition of a turbocharger, the units outputs are rumoured to be 395 kW with 704 N.m of torque. If that turns out to be the case the 911 Turbo/Turbo S will in all likelihood produce at least 450 kW just to justify their existence in the range.
The only models in the updated 911 range that are likely to remain naturally aspirated will be the GT3, which is said to become lighter than the current model, as well as the hardcore GT3 RS. For the moment it’s not known whether there will also be a GT2 derivative, but we think it likely.
We expect the new range to become available in South Africa at the earliest by the end of 2015. However, the update will mark a major departure from Porsche’s heritage of naturally aspirated engines. We hope the company will keep cars such as the GT3 going with atmospheric-pressured engines.
Picture courtesy: WorldCarFans.com
