However, a number of details suggest the car is actually an early mule for a new 911 GT2.
Porsche is out testing what appears to be a more extreme version of its latest 911 GT3 RS.
Already confirmedby the 911’s chief engineer Andreas Preuninger, the new GT2 is expected to be the last member of the 991-series 911 family. Porsche already has mules for the next-generation car testing on public roads.
2018 Porsche 911 GT2 spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Enlarge PhotoAt the front of this particular mule we can see new intakes larger than the units on the GT3 RS. And at the rear are hidden vents at either side of the bumper, which typically indicate a turbocharged engine. These aren’t found on the GT3 RS.
Another key difference is the position of the exhaust tips. On the mule there is an exhaust tip at each side of the car whereas on the GT3 RS they sit at the center.
GT2s typically feature the same engine as the 911 Turbo but with even more power. With the latest Turbo Sdelivering as much as 580 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-6, expect the GT2 to have around 620 hp. Since we're already so late in the 991's life cycle, Porsche could even skip the GT2 and go straight to a GT2 RS, meaning we could be looking at hp in the 660 vicinity. Recall, the previous GT2 RSalready came with 620 hp.
2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Enlarge PhotoTalk of the GT2 being axed for good emerged in recent years. The thinking was that the latest Turbo models were already offering better performance than previous GT2s, and topping them, with the traditional rear-wheel-drive layout of the GT2, would only make a car with a fearsome reputation even more frightening. Well, we’re glad Porsche changed its mind.
Look for the new GT2 to debut next year, as a 2018 model.
_______________________________________
Follow Motor Authority on Facebook, Twitterand YouTube.