[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by MotorTrend

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.

Read more: Porsche Gunning for Ferrari 458, McLaren MP4-12C with V-8, Mid-Engined Car? - WOT on Motor Trend

[Year's_End]

If it comes out it's game over for the competition.

[OBI_agent]

WOW.....competition is always welcome. I hope this report is true.

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

If it comes out it's game over for the competition.

+10000!

[TheRox]

Grrrr...why can't they make the 911 mid-engine, or if not mid-engine....make it broad and good looking enough to take on a Ferrari 458 for looks.

[asdflkijd]

PLEASE, they have been talking about this for a while. I saw this concept almost a year ago...

[FStop7]

I'm listening.....

[OBI_agent]

Originally Posted by TheRox

Grrrr...why can't they make the 911 mid-engine, or if not mid-engine....make it broad and good looking enough to take on a Ferrari 458 for looks.

911 is so iconic with its unconventional yet successful rear engine design that it might be unwise to mess around with changing the whole design. On 2013, it will officially reach 50 years since it went into production. Why would you want to mess with a proven design? I can't tell you how it must feel but it must be special to be on sale for that many years.

I think its better to start with a clean slate and produce a new model. If true, I'm really looking forward on what Porsche can produce.

[footie]

A couple of years ago the rumor was that Porsche were to build their own mid-engined version based on the next Gallardo/R8 platform. I don't know whether this latest rumor is one and the same or something developed from the 918 but if it does reach production then the competition will need to up their game ........... considerably.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by TheRox

Grrrr...why can't they make the 911 mid-engine, or if not mid-engine....make it broad and good looking enough to take on a Ferrari 458 for looks.

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

911 is so iconic with its unconventional yet successful rear engine design that it might be unwise to mess around with changing the whole design. On 2013, it will officially reach 50 years since it went into production. Why would you want to mess with a proven design? I can't tell you how it must feel but it must be special to be on sale for that many years.

I think its better to start with a clean slate and produce a new model. If true, I'm really looking forward on what Porsche can produce.

Not to mention every 911 has been rear-engined for the past 45+ years. It would be stupid to change the engine placement because then it wouldn't be a 911. They have the Cayman to handle MR duty. What they need to do is stop neutering the Cayman. It surely has the potential to pass the 911.

[Echo M3]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

Not to mention every 911 has been rear-engined for the past 45+ years. It would be stupid to change the engine placement because then it wouldn't be a 911. They have the Cayman to handle MR duty. What they need to do is stop neutering the Cayman. It surely has the potential to pass the 911.

Unlocking the potential in the Cayman (meaning: putting comparable engines in and tuning the suspension etc adequately) would probably result in the death of the 911. A mid-engined Porsche is definitely superior to a 911, except for the few Porsche owners that actually need that back seat or are die-hard about having a rear-engined vehicle.

Case in point: the Cayman R with it's 330hp engine is an absolute beast. Imagine if they dropped a Carrera S engine in it's bay.

[UltimateBMW]

Not sure I share the belief that a comparable car, just from Porsche, would equate to something the rest would have to 'catch-up' to.

Porsche doesn't have their own personal set of physics. It will be competitive though I'm sure.

[Year's_End]

It's just that they've managed to dominate just about everything in any class they get into for god knows how long right now.

[ki__]

I am very excited to see this car

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

If it comes out it's game over for the competition.

McLarens engineering would be pretty hard to beat, I think the MP4-12C is a game changer.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

McLarens engineering would be pretty hard to beat, I think the MP4-12C is a game changer.

Porsche tops anyone if they decide they want to. They pretty much own every class right now.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

McLarens engineering would be pretty hard to beat, I think the MP4-12C is a game changer.

The MP4 boasts incredible numbers and all of the feedback we've seen from the major publications backs that up, but you'll also find a ton of journalists complaining about the relatively sterile experience compared to a car like the 458.

If Porsche can at least land some numbers in the ballpark area between or around the 458 and MP4, while making more emotional and involving, then they'll have a winner.

[OBI_agent]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

Not to mention every 911 has been rear-engined for the past 45+ years. It would be stupid to change the engine placement because then it wouldn't be a 911. They have the Cayman to handle MR duty. What they need to do is stop neutering the Cayman. It surely has the potential to pass the 911.

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

Porsche tops anyone if they decide they want to. They pretty much own every class right now.

+10000!!!!!

Even if Porsche decide to make a variant of Cayman that is faster then a 911 in straightline and handling along with being cheaper, I don't think it will hamper Carrera's sale.
Auto enthusiast who keep complaining about how Cayman mid engine chassis feels better the Carrera's rear engine chassis are a special breed and few in numbers. Majority of the customers who don't care about feel and want something iconic will always be attracted to a 911. And obviously Porsche will listen to majority as that is where the profit is.

[BMW269]

If Porsche can beat McLaren, also BMW can beat Porsche. But unfortunately, the focus is more on earning money than on building a nice car.

[Echo M3]

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

+10000!!!!!

Even if Porsche decide to make a variant of Cayman that is faster then a 911 in straightline and handling along with being cheaper, I don't think it will hamper Carrera's sale.
Auto enthusiast who keep complaining about how Cayman mid engine chassis feels better the Carrera's rear engine chassis are a special breed and few in numbers. Majority of the customers who don't care about feel and want something iconic will always be attracted to a 911. And obviously Porsche will listen to majority as that is where the profit is.

If that's true, why does Porsche keep neutering the Cayman/Cayman S? Are you saying that customers only want a low-output mid-engined Porsche?

I personally think that's rubbish, and Porsche simply has been trying to keep the rear-engined platform as their highest tier. Which is sad, given what an incredible sports car the Cayman S could be.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by TheRox

Grrrr...why can't they make the 911 mid-engine, or if not mid-engine....make it broad and good looking enough to take on a Ferrari 458 for looks.

Well hell.
While your at it maybe you can ask Ferrari to change to a unicorn badge. No biggy eh?

[Year's_End]

I don't think it's fair to compare an M3 GTS to anything from Porsche, even though the GT3/RS is similar in nature. It seems that BMW engineered that car for thrills rather than outright grip and performance, since I've read that the thing has a rear end that's playful like nothing else. The car also starts off with a handicap, seeing as it's based on an inferior chassis with a higher center of gravity, higher weight, and a less optimal footprint. Don't forget that it's front-engined.

I'd love to see a mid-engined //M car in the future.

[OBI_agent]

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

+10000!!!!!

Even if Porsche decide to make a variant of Cayman that is faster then a 911 in straightline and handling along with being cheaper, I don't think it will hamper Carrera's sale.
Auto enthusiast who keep complaining about how Cayman mid engine chassis feels better the Carrera's rear engine chassis are a special breed and few in numbers. Majority of the customers who don't care about feel and want something iconic will always be attracted to a 911. And obviously Porsche will listen to majority as that is where the profit is.

Originally Posted by pman10

If that's true, why does Porsche keep neutering the Cayman/Cayman S? Are you saying that customers only want a low-output mid-engined Porsche?

I personally think that's rubbish, and Porsche simply has been trying to keep the rear-engined platform as their highest tier. Which is sad, given what an incredible sports car the Cayman S could be.

If you read my post a little more carefully, you will see that I have a similar point to yours. The part where I state ''are a special breed''is actually for Cayman, not for Carrera. I can see why you misunderstood me and I should have been more careful with my punctuation. If Cayman's sales number was way higher then Carrera, I bet Porsche would re think their strategy of producing underpowered Cayman but alas, this will never happen as 911 is just too iconic to Porsche and, shouldn't be outstaged by their own product. It would just be a simple case of bad business strategy.