First official pictures of the New 2012 Porsche 911

The first official images of the new 2012 Porsche 911 have leaked out this afternoon, showing the new front and rear lights which until now had been hidden behind some cleverly contrived camouflage (designed to make the 991 look like the outgoing 997 model).

The all new Porsche 911 – codenamed 991 – will debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month and reach customers by the end of 2011.

The 991’s styling is evolutionary but significant changes have been applied under the skin. First and foremost the 991 is 56mm longer, 65mm wider and 11m lower than the 997, with most of the extra length being added to the wheelbase.

As with every 911 model since its inception in 1963, the 991 continues to be propelled by a rear-mounted flat-six engine powering the rear wheels (with 4WD versions of higher-powered models, as with the 997).

S models will be powered by an updated 400 bhp version of today’s 3.8-litre engine found in the Carrera S, but the entry-level 991 will receive a 3.4-litre engine, downgraded from the 3.6-litre powerplant currently found in the 997 Carrera. Despite the reduction in capacity, power is said to have risen by almost 10 bhp to 350 bhp. A Hybrid powered version will also join the range.

The 991 draws many of the styling cues from the Panamera, most notably within the interior where it receives the inclined centre tunnel and Panamera style switches. But it’s still clearly a 911 and although larger than the 997 is substantially lighter.

Most of the visible changes to the 991 focus on its rear-end – with a narrow strip of lights blending into a prominent body-width panel containing the retractable rear spoiler.

No doubt we’ll soon receive the full technical details together with a sassy promo video, so keep an eye on our Twitter feed @DriversRepublic for further news.

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