I know what you are thinking: "Not another 991 speculation". But here goes anyway:

I have read on multiple sites that the 991 S will have larger wheel wells and will come with 20" wheels. What could be the thinking behind that?

Thanks,

-T

 

Aesthetics.

 

+1. I truly hope that it's an OPTION, and not standard! Anything larger than 19inch would be:

1. Heavy
2. More Suspectible to pot holes damaging them
3. Less comfortable with lower profile tires!

I understand it though, all the new BS marketing and BLING BLING in Hollywood and celebrities cars demand for larger wheels to satisfy that market... I hope at least for the sport enthusiasts they keep the 19inch option!

 

I prefer 18", 20s are utterly stupid

 

991 becomes a boat and the Boxster becomes the real Porsche? Then they add a mini-Boxster to backfill the line?

Why is that the evolution of car models is to get larger and larger until they lose their character completely?

Like, I saw a '67 Vette yesterday at Porsche Service - beautiful car. And I had Boxster loaner - base car - it was a blast to drive. When I picked up my car, it seemed huge, heavy, and nearly opulent in comparison.

 

19 in max for me.

 

+1

 

I sure hope not 20" wheels unless Porsche makes the side wall taller...but then the wheels and bigger tires will be getting very heavy.

 

Great points. The new car will be incredible, but less pure. The Boxster will be made faster and more like today's 911 with less "special" handling (aka: better balanced).

Did I also mention the 991 will be damn expensive!

 

Wow, how did you know? Are you a mind reader?

 

Personally I think 18" is the right size. I bought a base car rather than an S because I didn't want the 19" rims.

 

I tend to agree that beyond 18" is too big (and I have 19"s). That said, this is an age old argument...
1980s: 16" wheels are just for show, i'll keep my 15s thank you very much
1990s: why does every car have to have 17" wheels?
Late 90s: wheel sizes are out of control - have you seen these 18" wheels???
Early 2000s: wow, 19s on a small car, that's for rappers and posers
Today: my 19" wheels are perfect but 20s are idiotic!

 

i hear they're going to be "spinners" too.

 

This is true. It will help cool the brakes at red lights and when on the grid and paddock areas.

 

There's a certain amount of "Whatever fits over the brakes." Some cars are getting larger and larger brakes and smaller wheels stop fitting. For example, a 1990 MX-5 can wear 13" wheels, but a 2006? 16" is the smallest that fits over the front brakes, and even some 16" wheels won't clear.

What size wheels I prefer depends on the use, fit, and, to some extent, tire availability. For competition, I'll take whatever mix of wheel and tire that is legal for the class and fastest. For non-competitive track, I like a lightweight set with a good amount of sidewall and a fun balance of grip. On the street, again, something lightweight (better ride quality, fuel economy, etc.) with sidewall.