Porsche Gunning for Ferrari 458, McLaren MP4-12C with V-8, Mid-Engined Car?
Donny Nordlicht on May 5 2011 3:00 PM
Porschephiles have felt that Porsche has strayed from its core with some of the recent models rolling out of Stuttgart, but maybe this will help restore enthusiasts’ faith in the brand –reports say that Porsche is working on a V-8 powered, mid-engined sports car to slot between the 911 and the hyper-expensive 918 Spyder. If this new model comes to fruition, it could do battle with the likes of the McLaren MP4-12C and the Ferrari 458 Italia. We reported on this same rumor a few months ago, but now we have more details on what the possible car may be. Auto Express says that the new $280,000 sports car will wear the 961 moniker, recalling the 1980s Group B racecar based on the 959. Lightweight engineering techniques from the 911 GT2 RS and a carbon fiber, monocoque chassis are also in store for Stuttgart’s new range-topper.
Powering the 961 will be a V-8 powerplant, although which one is still a mystery. It is expected that a detuned version of the 500-hp, 4.8-liter turborcharged V-8 from the Panamera Turbo and Cayenne Turbo could find its way between the new car’s rear wheels. However, the sleuths at Auto Express say that engine could be too heavy, and we could see a turbocharged version of the 3.4-liter V-8 found in the RS Syder racecar instead. No matter the engine, expect output to be around 600 hp, with a very favorable power-to-weight ratio.
The look of the 961 will draw heavily from the current Panamera and Cayman, but also from the next-generation 911 due out next year, and will probably look fairly close to the 918 RSR racecar from this year’s Detroit auto show. As of now, there are only plans to make a hardtop version of the car, but a roadster is not off the table. Auto Express says that the 961 could hit dealerships as soon as 2013.
Powering the 961 will be a V-8 powerplant, although which one is still a mystery. It is expected that a detuned version of the 500-hp, 4.8-liter turborcharged V-8 from the Panamera Turbo and Cayenne Turbo could find its way between the new car’s rear wheels. However, the sleuths at Auto Express say that engine could be too heavy, and we could see a turbocharged version of the 3.4-liter V-8 found in the RS Syder racecar instead. No matter the engine, expect output to be around 600 hp, with a very favorable power-to-weight ratio.
The look of the 961 will draw heavily from the current Panamera and Cayman, but also from the next-generation 911 due out next year, and will probably look fairly close to the 918 RSR racecar from this year’s Detroit auto show. As of now, there are only plans to make a hardtop version of the car, but a roadster is not off the table. Auto Express says that the 961 could hit dealerships as soon as 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment