The second generation of 991-based Porsche 911 GT cars will continue to use normally aspirated engines, according to Andreas Preuninger, manager of Porsche High Performance Cars.
The issue was not a given because all standard versions of the new model, due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September, will use turbocharged engines.
“GT3s are normally aspirated - period,” said Preuninger. When asked how he’d managed to except his cars from the new general rule of turbo 911s, he said: “When everyone goes in one direction, I like to go in the other direction.”
At present, Preuninger’s GT3s are still the only Porsches where you push the selector to change down a gear.
Preuninger would not be drawn on the details of the new engine, although the 4.0-litre motor unveiled at the Geneva show this month to power the current GT3 RS would clearly provide a solid foundation for a new engine for the Gen 2 GT3.
Preuninger also suggested that Porsche may soon be rethinking its strategy of offering only dual-clutch automatic gearboxes on GT3 models. “We have been talking about it [reintroducing a manual ’box] and I hope I have the ear of the board,” he said.
Preuninger confirmed that a new GT2 RS would be built but said it would not be for the existing series of the 911. Instead, it will come at the end of the life of the Gen 2 car, probably in 2018.
The previous 997-based GT2 RS offered 611bhp in a package weighing just 1370kg and is widely regarded as the most extreme 911 ever to goon general sale.
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I get it now, but it still
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Good in theory