When the first 911 mules hit the road in late 2015, they used bodies from the outgoing model. New details began to surface as development advanced into 2016 and the coupe started to take their new shape in the second half of the year. The convertible came out with the new features already installed and they are identical to those seen on the coupe. Far from surprising, as the Cabriolet has been a chopped-off coupe since the nameplate鈥檚 early days. Naturally, the 992 remains highly recognizable as a 911, using the same styling cues that made the German sports cars famous. But Porsche came up with a bunch of new features that set it apart from the outgoing model and give it a fresh appearance. Up front, the convertible gained new LED headlamps with a slightly modified shape and new light clusters under the lens. The trunk lid is also new, now being narrower above the nose. This feature is borrowed from the original 911 and other air-cooled models, on which the lid extended toward the bumper.
Below we can see new vents and a slightly bigger splitter but nothing too radical. As usual, the sides are carried over with even fewer changes. The rear fenders have been reshaped and seem a bit wider, while the door handles and mirrors are a bit different, but everything else is very similar to the outgoing version. Around back, the taillights are slimmer and seem based on the Mission E Concept, while the retractable spoiler is larger and extends just above the taillights. The hood grille and the rear bumper have also been revised, but the latter is still camouflaged. Note: Current Porsche 911 Pictured here. Porsche should also have a new infotainment system ready when the new 911 arrives. The package will probably include a larger touchscreen, improved connectivity features, and loads of cool apps to use at the track. The seats will also be redesigned to offer improved comfort and better support during cornering.
As with most redesigns, the 992-generation 911 should come with improved, softer materials, new upholstery options, and new customizing options. The Cabriolet should also benefit from a new soft-top with faster operation at slightly higher speeds. The top should also be lighter than its predecessor and fold into a more compact form behind the rear seats. There鈥檚 no specific data about the next-gen 911鈥檚 drivetrain, but it鈥檚 safe to assume that the Carrera and Carrera S models will use variations of the turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six engine. This unit was introduced with the 991.2 facelift and replaced the naturally aspirated 3.4- and 3.8-liter powerplants with two different power outputs. Since it鈥檚 only a couple of years old as of 2018, the 3.0-liter turbo will be used on the next-gen Carrera and Carrera S as well. Note: 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo pictured here. Moving over to the 911 Turbo and Turbo S, my bet is that Porsche will also update the existing twin-turbo engines. Although Porsche has yet to spill the beans officially, a hybrid model is also in the works and the gasoline-electric combo will probably make it into the Cabriolet too.
The big mystery here is what engine will Porsche use in conjunction with one or two electric motors. The German brand has two configurations for road cars. There鈥檚 the V-6 in the Cayenne and Panamera hybrids and the V-8 in the 918 supercar. The latter is out of the question due to its size, while the former would seem like an awkward choice given that the 911 is a flat-six sports car by tradition. But I guess Porsche could make an exception for the first-ever hybrid 911 without upsetting too many purists. On the other hand, it鈥檚 not out of the question for the Germans to be working on a brand-new hybrid drivetrain that includes a flat-six gas engine. Another option would be the 919 race car鈥檚 hybrid drivetrain that includes a flat-four. Not only it would fit inside the 911, but it would also provide the best fuel economy and reliability of all Porsche drivetrains.
Pricing will obviously increase with the new generation, but I鈥檓 not expecting a major premium over the current model. Launched in 2013, the F-Type is credited with having revived Jaguar as a full-fledged sports car manufacturer. Designed to replace the XK, the F-Type is more compact, more agile, and decidedly more appealing. It鈥檚 more luxurious too, being just two rear seats away from becoming a full-fledged competitor for the 911 Cabriolet. The F-Type might come with a different engine layout than the 911, but it鈥檚 available with an array of engines. In basic trim, the F-Type is offered with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Not quite enough to go against the 911, but the supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivers either 340, 380 or 400 horsepower. More power can be had with the F-Type R, which uses a supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 rated at 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque.