New 911 To be a V8

Todays Autocar Mag UK has some details of the next incarnation of the 911. I am not going to type it all out but highlights are: V8 engine option available In the Turbo will produce 450 BHP. New Tiptronic Box V8s to have wider bodies than normal 911's like Turbo and C4S at the moment. Due in 2004, Turbo in 2005 Rich

Hi Rich: Did the article lead you to believe that the "profile, footprint" or whatever you want to call the overall shape, etc. will remain the same. IOW engine options might be on "S" versions and maybe different front grille treatments, but basically the same outward appearance?? <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" /> <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" /> <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Oooh, I like V8s. The best cars I've ever owned were/are V8s - the 928GTS and the Alpina... Autocar, you say?? I'm off to get a copy.

Right I must be mad. With thanks to Autocar on one of their amazing Scoops. Next 911 to be V8 Powered. 911 fans brace yourself - the new generation 2004 model has a sting in the tail: two extra cylinders and upto 450bhp. The all new Porsche 911 due at the end of 2004 will offer a potent V8 engine option for the first time. Power for entry-level models will continue to come from a flat six, which in newly developed form pumps our 335 bhp. But the new super-performance 911's will be offered with the Twin-turbo 4.5 litre V8 from the Cayenne off-roader. Mounting the 60-degree V8 longitudilly in the 911's tail has presented packaging problems. But the results promise to be sensational. In naturally aspirated form the all-alloy unit kicks out 340bhp whill the twin turbocharged variant will deliver a mighty 450bhp. Ill write more of it later when i have more time. Rich

Did I read that right? The naturally aspirated version of the V8 only has 5 more hp than the 6? That must be wrong, they are obviously speculating. They would never offer a completely different engine option with only 5hp more than standard. BTW, this V8 in the "next generation" 911 has come up several times in magazines over the past decade. The 993 was supposed to have it, 996 etc. I think it's long over due for Porsche to do this, but I won't get to excited until something official comes down.

Jon, I agree. The pictures in the mag show what looks like a C4s body with a extra few inches added to the depth of the rear grill spoiler to fit the extra engine volume in. The article implies that testing of the V8 is well underway and more advanced than imsiders like to admit. I don't think its meant to replace the sweet 6's they currently use, just provide another engine option (except for the turbo that will only use the V8). +5 horsepower and smoother delivery has got to be worth it. It may be the only way to get a widebodied car after 2004. It also touches on the new GT3. 3.8litre 380bhp out in 2003. Rich

Rich, my understanding is that the 2005 turbo will still be six cylinder based, the wide body it inhabits being designed to accept both NA and Turbo variant's of the Cayenne V8 as well.