991 nearing the end of the rear engine Porsche?
#17
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The rear engine is part of the character of the car and that which makes it fun and never boring. If they keep dialling out the rear engined characteristics that give the car so much flavour and charm, then in the end who cares where they put the engine ? They may as well just put in the middle and be done with it.. at that point it would just become a bigger 2+2 version of the cayman.
Last edited by marcb993; 01-22-2012 at 10:53 AM.
#18
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The rear engine iconic 911 isn't going anywhere. I just read Porsche has scrapped immediate plans for their mid engined Ferrari 458 fighter because VW wanted Porsche to use the Gallardo/R8 chassis and Porsche doesn't want to use a chassis they didn't design from scratch in-house. So they will wait until the 2020 model year to move into this segment because Porsche will be doing the engineering for that chassis and then Audi and Lambo can adapt it to their needs.
#19
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
#20
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The only reason the 911 is still rear engined is because of "purists". As Porsche sells the 911 to more and more people that have never driven a 911 before, the fewer "purists" exist. If it comes to the point where the purists are the few and the "general public" are the many, the desires of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
As the 911 moves further upmarket, it will be expected to keep up with, or completely trounce a comparable Ferrari, Lambo, etc. IMHO, to do so, requires MR.
In addition to market trends, it is clear that the RE layout has nearly run it's course in a racing venue. The 997 RSR was not exactly the most competitive steed in 2011. Perhaps the rules change in 2012 will change that, but perhaps not. Given all variables being constant, a mid-engine car will outperform a rear engine car every time.
As the 911 moves further upmarket, it will be expected to keep up with, or completely trounce a comparable Ferrari, Lambo, etc. IMHO, to do so, requires MR.
In addition to market trends, it is clear that the RE layout has nearly run it's course in a racing venue. The 997 RSR was not exactly the most competitive steed in 2011. Perhaps the rules change in 2012 will change that, but perhaps not. Given all variables being constant, a mid-engine car will outperform a rear engine car every time.
#21
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The only reason the 911 is still rear engined is because of "purists". As Porsche sells the 911 to more and more people that have never driven a 911 before, the fewer "purists" exist. If it comes to the point where the purists are the few and the "general public" are the many, the desires of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
As the 911 moves further upmarket, it will be expected to keep up with, or completely trounce a comparable Ferrari, Lambo, etc. IMHO, to do so, requires MR.
In addition to market trends, it is clear that the RE layout has nearly run it's course in a racing venue. The 997 RSR was not exactly the most competitive steed in 2011. Perhaps the rules change in 2012 will change that, but perhaps not. Given all variables being constant, a mid-engine car will outperform a rear engine car every time.
As the 911 moves further upmarket, it will be expected to keep up with, or completely trounce a comparable Ferrari, Lambo, etc. IMHO, to do so, requires MR.
In addition to market trends, it is clear that the RE layout has nearly run it's course in a racing venue. The 997 RSR was not exactly the most competitive steed in 2011. Perhaps the rules change in 2012 will change that, but perhaps not. Given all variables being constant, a mid-engine car will outperform a rear engine car every time.
#22
Race Director
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The only reason the 911 is still rear engined is because of "purists". As Porsche sells the 911 to more and more people that have never driven a 911 before, the fewer "purists" exist. If it comes to the point where the purists are the few and the "general public" are the many, the desires of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Last edited by Mike in CA; 01-30-2012 at 02:06 AM.
#23
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yeah, with a 1-2-3 finish today in the Rolex 24 in the GT class I don't think Porsche is going to be in any rush to change. They will build their 458 fighter in that price range in a few years, but the iconic rear engine 911 isn't going anywhere. To produce a mid engined entry model, mid engined bread and butter model, and mid engined high end model all at the same time makes no sense. Nice dream though.
#24
Nordschleife Master
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
And re 'purists' - those are the ones who keep a classic alive. Trends-of-the-day come and go.
"So many creations today are just like all the rest... " - F. A. Porsche
#25
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You forgot rear seats, vestigial as they may be. No rear-seats in a mid-engine.
And re 'purists' - those are the ones who keep a classic alive. Trends-of-the-day come and go.
"So many creations today are just like all the rest... " - F. A. Porsche
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mlae...deo&playnext=1
And re 'purists' - those are the ones who keep a classic alive. Trends-of-the-day come and go.
"So many creations today are just like all the rest... " - F. A. Porsche
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mlae...deo&playnext=1
#26
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The 911 doesn't compete against any of the those cars. Porsche will compete in that market segment soon, but not with a 911.
#27
Nordschleife Master
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Years ago I was worried about it but not any longer. From a tech/design perspective I think Porsche will dominate. Besides Weissach designs most of the stuff VW builds anyway.
#28
Intermediate
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The rear engine iconic 911 isn't going anywhere. I just read Porsche has scrapped immediate plans for their mid engined Ferrari 458 fighter because VW wanted Porsche to use the Gallardo/R8 chassis and Porsche doesn't want to use a chassis they didn't design from scratch in-house. So they will wait until the 2020 model year to move into this segment because Porsche will be doing the engineering for that chassis and then Audi and Lambo can adapt it to their needs.