While on the international launch of the new 992 Porsche 911 in Spain, we unearthed a few facts we thought you’d like to know about the latest iteration of Zuffenhausen’s iconic sportscar…
1. The “body-in-white” is fashioned from a variety of metals. Steel sheet (both hot and cold), aluminium sheet, extrusion profile, cast aluminium and cast steel are all used.
2. No decision has yet been made on a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid version of the new 911. The challenges Porsche faces are, as expected, weight, space for the batteries and electric range. Decisions will be taken in 2019, though…
3. One of the lead engineers who managed the R&D on this latest engine has been working on Porsche’s turbocharged powerplants since the 996 Turbo.
4. Johannesburg is an important testing environment for Porsche thanks to its mix of elevation and heat.
5. The design of the new 911’s dashboard mimics that of the F-Series (first generation) 911. It’s more horizontal and featured on earlier 911s until the introduction of the 996, when a strong vertical element was introduced thanks to the adoption of a proper infotainment system.
6. For the first time, the Carrera is offered with wheels that are larger at the rear than at the front (something previously reserved for GT cars).
7. Another element that has been carried over from the 991.2 GT models (GT3 and GT2) is the option of a carbon-fibre roof.
8. This Carrera S model lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7 minutes and 25 seconds.
9. Although the 992 is larger and (interestingly) heavier than its forebear, the wheelbase is unchanged.
