Porsche Officially Confirms World Premiere of New Model at 2011 NAIAS

Earlier this month, we told you about Porsche spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode's interview with Bloomberg where he discussed the firm's plans to unveil a new model at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 10 to 23). Today, the Stuttgart-based sports car maker made it official by announcing that it will be giving a new model its world debut at the Detroit Show. Porsche, however, did not release any information on the vehicle.

As we previously noted, Porsche's debut could be anything from a successor to the 911 series, Boxster or Cayman, to the new Cajun three-door SUV and the production version of the 918 hybrid supercar, which is pictured in these shots.

New Porsche 911 Shows its Panamera-Style Snout in South Africa

Once again, Carscoop's photographers have caught the all-new generation of Porsche's 911 sports car series testing. However, this time, they snagged a barely camouflaged prototype not in Germany, but in South Africa. And even though our man with the camera wasn't able to capture a crystal clear shot of the front end of the 2012MY 911, it's fairly obvious that the styling is heavily influenced by the Panamera.

From there on, despite some changes here and there such as the exterior mirrors that are mounted on the doors instead of on the window frame, the redesigned tail lamps and a slightly lower roofline, the basic silhouette and proportions remain the same. An extensive aerodynamic package with an active front spoiler and variable air-intakes, is believed to be in development.

We expect more differences inside the cabin with some fresh bits and pieces borrowed directly from the Cayenne and Panamera parts bins.

The new model, codenamed '991', may look eerily similar to today's generation of the 911, but underneath the body there's a revised platform that has grown a few inches in length and width. Furthermore, Porsche's engineering team is also said to have made good use of exotic and lightweight materials to reduce the sports car's overall weight.

The 911's engine lineup will be revised with upgraded six-cylinder boxer units boasting the latest technological advancements including direct injection and start/stop systems for gains in power as well as reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At launch, Porsche will offer two variants - the Carrera and more powerful Carrera S models, with the Turbo and other versions such as the GT2 and GT3 to follow down the line.

Delivering power to the rear or to all four wheels will be a standard six-speed manual gearbox (depending on the model) joined by an optional seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppel Kupplung) twin-clutch transmission with shift paddles behind the wheel.

Chances are that Porsche will choose its home show in Frankfurt, Germany, next year to present the world premiere of the new 911.

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Porsche to Return to Detroit Show with a Bang, will Premiere a "Spectacular Model". What will it be?

It's been a good four years since the last time we saw Porsche at the Detroit Motor Show, otherwise known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), but the famous Stuttgart automaker is getting ready to make a big comeback at the 2011 edition of the event. Not only will Porsche make it to the 2011 NAIAS, but the company revealed through one of its spokesman that it is planning to premiere a “spectacular” model.

“We’ll have something spectacular to show there,” said Hans- Gerd Bode, a spokesman for Porsche, in an interview on Friday. “You’ll have to wait and be surprised.” As you may have guessed, the Porsche official did not reveal any other details leaving us with nothing but speculation at this point.

Aside from the already confirmed for production 918 Spyder Hybrid supercar, other new Porsche models planned for the not so far away future are the next generations of the 911 series, Boxster and Cayman, plus a smaller three-door SUV, the Cajun. We should mention here that a couple of days ago, Porsche released a press announcement stating that the firm's supervisory board gave the green light for the production of the Cajun.

Here's the statement:

"During its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, laid the foundations for continuous and successful growth of the company. The Supervisory Board instructed the Board of Management to drive forward the development of a further model series up to series production. Under the working name "Cajun", this efficient and sporty model will further expand the world’s most successful Porsche segment in the SUV sector.

In addition to the new Cayenne, which has clearly consolidated its market position as the most successful sporty SUV in the premium segment, the "Cajun" will also have a very positive impact with its typical Porsche features such as light weight, ease of handling and agility. As an attractive entry model in the Porsche world, the "Cajun" will attract new and even younger customers to the premium brand along with the Boxster, the market leader in the segment of two-seater, mid-size sports cars."

Of course, Porsche may show a completely different model including a concept vehicle of some sort. Feel free to speculate in the comments section below.

Via: Bloomberg