quickxotica

Anyone else notice in the un-retouched photos that the roof appears to be made of 2 or 3 panels? There is a seam visible about 3 inches back from the top of the windsheild and another 4 inches in front of the top of the rear window. It's as though there is a full-width middle panel between the A and B pillars that could be either a) a lighter material, or b) transparent or c) removable. Perhaps the center section of the roof will become an optionable feature. It would be cool if you could choose between three or four versions of roof designs, like:
1) a fixed carbon panel, or
2) a transparent glass panel, or
3) a steel panel with a traditional motorised sunroof
4) a removable panel

ADias

Drive a Cayman already... By your statement you demonstrate that you have no clue what a 911 is all about.

nyca

Who wants a 911 that shuts the engine off at a stop light? How much fuel is that saving?

kosmo

I think this maybe standard in the not so distant future.

zanwar

I'm lucky to get 10 mpg in the city, because I spend so much of my time idling in traffic. So in my case, quite a lot of fuel!

nyca

Give me a break.

How does the launch control system work on a car that has its engine off when stopped? Is there some special button that is part of the launch control that keeps the engine running so the system can be used? Or does a "launch" now include starting the engine up?

Sure, a minivan that starts the engine when stopped I can deal with. But a Porsche?

The 35.5 MPG 2016 standard is a highway mileage target, I can't see why a start/stop system helps an automaker meet that target.

zanwar

There would be an override to the system. Probably the Sport button. The new systems also stop the engine with the pistons in the ideal position for a quick start.

The old Honda Insight had an interesting hybrid system. They effectively ditched the starter, alternator and flywheel for a single electric motor that performed triple duty. Porsche could use a similar system to add some extra low rev torque / engine braking to the motor. Could be combined with a manual transmission and make every start feel like a launch control start.

alexb76

Interesting observation! I think it would be GREAT if they did a Carbon Fiber roof like M3, and I think that should be STANDARD!

Also, they should make it all aluminium body, with the back-end all Carbon fibre to make it less rear-heavy... then we'd be right close to GT-R on the Ring!

OldGuy

I dont like the rear lights, I dont know how effective the rear spoiler is being so small, and having 2 GT3s I am very sensitive to having aero balance over 100++ mph.

It is evolutionary. I think the 997.1 to 997.2 was REVOLUTIONARY. It was a HUGE improvement.

Mspeedster

Actually, I don't like this rendering as much as the others. The front headlight surround treatment has some 996-ish looks to it, which I never cared for. The lower intake/grill treatment is cool though.

Edgy01

The Panamera has an engine shut off system today. Can be overridden.

alexb76

Are you kidding? there's a reason it's called 997.2! Now 996 to 997 is a huge jump, although still I wouldn't call revolutionary at all!

I however agree the 991 would be quite close to 997.2 from what we've seen so far, unless they bring something out of the bag, which most likely would be all-body aluminium.

nyca

If it can be over-ridden, the EPA isn't going to provide any MPG credit for it. So what's the purpose of having it? So the owner/driver can claim to be "green" while driving a 4000 pound, 500HP car with a V8?

alexb76

How does it work? I can understand how it works on Hybrids, but in pure gas engines, it would turn it off and on by cranking the engine everytime?

Edit: Found my own answer:
This probably will only work in Auto/PDK versions of 911. I assume it has to come with higher capacity battery, or a Lithium Ion backup for constant start of the car!

nyca

What happens in the summer, is the AC compressor electric? Or do you start to sweat when the engine shuts off at a stop light?