SPY PICS: Next-gen 911 spotted

Porsche is planning a new 911 for 2011, but the question is: how new?

These pix shot by Carparazzi show a disguised new model under test that reveals one or two train-spotter clues to its identity.

Check the location of the side mirrors, now fixed to the doors rather than sitting at the base of the A-pillar, and the protruding, hyperactive thyroid headlights that contrast with the current car's more inset units.

The general profile of the test mule appears to replicate the current cart precisely, although there has been speculation about some chassis work, including wider tracks, that is not evident here.

Carparazzi says it's best to ignore the Turbo side air vents and the heavy disguise work done on the rear spoiler -- and the taillights peeping from behind the seemingly integrated cladding. Our guess is the next car's taillights will be a funkier version of the current lenses.

Mechanically, the 911 has just been gifted with new direct-injection engines, as well as a new dual-clutch transmission so much of the new work is already out of the way.

But Porsche has been talking about improving the environmental footprint of its cars, leading to speculation about weight losses and the introduction of stop-start technology. Company heads say that development of conventional technology -- such as the use of lighter materials -- is an effective way of lowering emissions and fuel consumption, as well as the handling balance and performance.

-- with Carparazzi

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