Might 998 not be a 911 after all?

Are we making a big assumption in thinking 998 will be the 911 successor to 997? For a start why would Porsche start developing the successor one project number later for a car that would not be seen for another 8 to 12 years. Think of when Porsche laid down the spec for 996 and how long it took to get to market... With all the discussions about the limits of the flat-6 and competitors outperforming the 911, should Porsche make another sports car model above the 911? Not to replace it but as an addition. This would not be the 4-door coupe/sedan but a mid-engined 2-seater in the mold of a Carrera GT, using the Cayenne V8? That could then more ably compete with Audi Le Mans, Aston Martin DB9/Vanquish, Ferrari 430, Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago etc. while keeping the 911 "affordable". So the range would be: 4-door coupe sedan, Cayenne, Boxster, 911, new 998, and Carrera GT. Does that sound like heresy, or might it make sense?

Speculation abounds as to what future models Porsche will have. This is not unlike 20 years ago, when the front engined water cooled Porsches first came out. First a 4 cylinder, then an 8 cylinder. Everyone predicted the death of the rear-engined oil cooled 911. Lo and behold, the 911 continued to improve, and to this day, 20 years later, is still considered the premier Porsche model (the GT, due to stratospheric cost, is not counted). Porsche as a car manufacturer has proven itself unpredictable and willing to take chances with unusual moves. Witness the Boxster, then the Cayenne. I have no doubt there are a few "surprises" in the near future. A mid engined V8 that some will consider better than a 911? Why not? That's how the 928 was first presented. Don't be surprised, though , if the rear engined 911 will keep one step ahead of any new siblings that Porsche may experiment with..

That would be the stupidest thing they could do. Ok so we have cars like the E55, Gallardo, RS6, and a bunch of other, really "wanna be" sports cars with more power. All of these cars were built in a "lab" so to speak. The the thing that Porsche has with the 911, is HISTORY. If they throw that away they have NOTHING. The HISTORY/unique looks is the only thing selling the 911. Why else would someone buy a car that is down on HP compared to all the rest in its class? The Gallardo, and 360, 550, RS6 E55, will all be FORGOTTEN in 5 yrs time. How many of you think back and reminiss (sp?) about the Ferrari 348 , or Mondial, or the TR....NOT EFFING many. The 911 on the other hand is another story, and that is why Porsche will keep that alive.

from what I seen 998 will be like 928 a 4 seater GT cruiser

rr i love 911's but i do envy the resale value on testarossa's and modena's --somebody must still appreciate them. even 348's retain value better than any like age porsche. it's too bad that ferraris are so expensive to service nixing the better resale value...