FI Flyer

Based on ADias' comparison (with lines) it appear to me that the front overhang of the "991" is about the same but that the rear overhang is substantially longer than the 997. I had assumed that Porsche was using the new car's extra length to move the engine closer to the middle of the car. This is apparently not the case.

I am completely at a loss about the tilted up roof panel. Porsche has a patent for a convertible top made of panels and I had assumed that earlier spy pictures showing lines going across the roof were part of that system. And that may still be the case. However, to my eye, there is no doubt that the picture of the car with the elevated roof panel is a coupe rather than a cabriolet. So I guess that the tilted panel is part of the sun roof but I would like to hear what others think.

Finally, I don't see much extra rear seat space. If anything, it seems that there may be an inch or so of extra front seat legroom but no significant increase in the rear. The roof over the rear seating area may even be a bit lower rendering that space still more uncomfortable.

Is the "991" that ADias uses as a comparison with the 997.2 possibly a Targa? The reason that I ask is that there seems to be a groove above the rear window that could hold a rail on which the roof panel could slide back Targa style.

Mike in CA

The rear overhang does look greater, but the front overhang is definitely less if the two pics are close to scale. I measured the difference on my screen; the raw numbers aren't meaningful and YMMV due to differences in screen sizes and magnification but they are useful for purposes of comparison. From the center of the front wheel hub to the tip of the bumper:

997.2 1.8125 inches (1 13/16)
991 1.625 inches (1 5/8)

That's a difference of .1875 inches or slightly over 10%. I measured the overhang on my 997.2 from the center of the front wheel to the nose and it's about 40". A 10% reduction translates to 4"; not an insignificant amount.

xraydog

I think the stuff on the roof is active aero. I remember Porsche saying something about it in an article a while back.

texas911

That spy photo isn't squared up to the photographer, so its foreshortened. That's why the front overhand looks shorter and the rear overhand looks significantly longer.

Mike in CA

The measurements were consistent with what I saw in the original profile photos posted by stevepow. With a 4" longer wheelbase it seems Porsche will have to reduce overhangs or end up with a much longer car overall, which I don't think they will do.

But you may have a point with the foreshortening. I give up with the speculation, and will wait for the finished product.

911Jetta

I'm looking forward to seeing the rear wing design. Looks like it will be a multi-panel design like the Panamera...

I bet the front-side triangle panel raise up and slide/tilt back to meet the usual Carerra extended wing?

It might look pretty good...it'll be wider for sure.

stevepow

Mspeedster

Agreed. The angle may also make the spy car's rear quarter glass appear to be more forward vs. the 997.2 photo that ADias used. Hard to know until the actual measurement specs are released. Although the roof line and glass look similar to the 997, the engineers may have changed the dimensions.

But even with the slight angle of the spy car profile, the rear overhang does look longer in other photos as well. I always felt all the spy shots have looked a little tail heavy to my eye, regardless of the angle.

chago996

What about that "oval" looking door on top of the rear fender? I keep seeing it in many pictures, but obvious on the the one above from 911 jetta. The intakes in front of the rear wheel seem fake of course, but the one above and behind them, don't. The intrigue reminds me of the movie 'Hunt for Red October' when they where examining pictures of the sub, and looking at the front trap doors for the new silent drive the russians had made.

KBS911

Still looks like a good old 911 to me. Evolution not revolution. 415 hp, lighter weight, you know it will out perform the 997, so...............what's not to love?

pewter82

I think that statement was said when the 996 was first being discussed...we all know where that went.

stevepow

Reflection....of the rear window.

mdrums

As long as they come out with a GT3 with PDK.....and use slotted rotors instead of drilled hole rotors that crack to easy from heat at the track.

Ray S

Sure do. It went toward the most successful 911 ever created up to that time. A car that was significantly lighter, quicker, faster, stronger, and better handling than any comparable 911 before it. Too bad their are some enthusiasts out there that can't appreciate the old and the new generations.

philooo

and more spyshots coming ...

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-new...-ar113572.html