bstaneland

I don't understand why the next series of 911 was not coded the 998. To me, this would signify that after the 991 comes the 992. Then what?

Dr_KarlB

yup,
After they run out of 99x serial numbers they will have no choice but to move the engine location...

... or start at 100x perhaps.

Turb-OH Brad

I wrote a serious piece for 9Magazine a few issues back detailing Porsche's historic trend toward anything but rear engine placement. The 928, 924, 944 was the beginning of the end. 981, 918, and the recently delayed "sub-boxster" are all mid engine.

I theorize that the Porsche sportscar lineup will be all mid-engine after the 991 phases out (it's all new, so it's likely here for a while). Sub-Boxster, Boxster/Cayman, new mid-engine 911, new (Ferrari 458 successor) fighter, and 918 Spyder replacement.

Mike in CA

If so, it's an incredibly slow trend. I don't think the fact that Porsche has used other engine locations (the first 356 prototype roadster was mid-engined, of course) means that they have "trended" away from rear engines, a layout they used, and have continued to use, since the very first production model. Their forays into other engine layouts have been by necessity to enter specific markets (imagine a RE Cayenne or Panamera) but the soul of the company has always been the 356 and 911. The demise of the 911 was predicted almost 30 years ago with the intro of the 928 but it's still with us. My belief is that, barring some regulatory issue that makes RE design impossible, Porsche will have a RE 911 for any forseeable future. Don't bet your money on anything different.

BTW, as to the model number 991, one of the top Porsche people at Rennsport IV (can't remember who) spoke to this exact question from someone. He said there was no particular rhyme or reason to the internal model designations and they had no bearing on the continued existence of future RE 911's; Porsche would find a number to use.

docfink

As long as buyers love the relatively same (nearly) 50 year old design, can appreciate having those two, small rear seats, and love the handling of this car, a business case will be made for it. Once buyers stop coming, all bets are off.

If the sedans and SUVs keep selling and allow the sports cars to be made, there's no reason there won't be a 911 in 10 years, although its engines will surely be different.

WCE

The compact flat 6 engine basically makes the rear engine placement possible. I've wondered if it was feasable to "simply" move the engine to the front (should be short enough to fit under the hood) and keep the transaxle in the back (like the 928) and retain the same classic 2+2 body shape while curing the weight distribution problem! The rear wheels and transaxle could also be pushed back reducing the excessive rear overhang, increasing the wheelbase even more, and adding room to the rear seat area - I think I just fixed the 911!

docfink

Sounds good, but I don't think a powerful engine could fit under any 911's hood; it's just too low.

SteveFromMN

I think you just ruined it. What makes the 911 so wonderful is it's nimble quality, easy to drive but still a powerful beast. A longer wheelbase makes for a longer turning circle. Soon you will have a Corvette! I have not driven a 991 let's hope it is not moving in that direction.

cannon1000

With trends the way they are...smaller flat 6's w/Hybrid engines closer to middle would be interesting. The first Hybrid 911 - which is probably inevitable at some point.

I think that the 911 in racing is helping shape the future of the car...Porsche takes racing seriously - and has fallen behind with the 997 (and not getting exceptions like the others). The 991 may be a better platform for racing and allow better tweaks to be more competitive.

Franklin229

Certainly a front engine, rear transaxle design can give you better balance for handling but it way is more efficient to have the motor, transmission, final drive all together to maximize power and weight savings. The rear engine 911 and other mid-engine designs benefit from this. The more you separate those components, the more you will loose HP and torque.

cannon1000

Can't argue w/the braking and acceleration advantages as well. It's that damn turning that is the problem...and why you have to learn how to drive a 911 and have a 911 line at the track. Moving the weight ever so slightly forward helps reduce the *** out tendency of our cars.

19_hole

The Dynamic Engine Mounts in the new 991 will also help keep the front facing front and the rear under control.

Alstoy

According to the Mayan calendar you are correct-the end is near.

Cupcar#12

at least we won't have to worry about the 100x mid engine series for another 63 years (on a 7 year product cycle)

losdeanos

I remember reading that it had to do with the coding system for all the parts. In order to delay a costly switch to a different number system they went back and picked up a code they didn't use, 991. After the 991, they'll go to other codes like 998 & 999.