For a few years now, whispers of a Porsche 928 successor, 914 revival, or something completely different have been heard throughout the industry, but now the message is gaining clarity. In 2019, the world won’t be meeting a million-dollar supercar or a new entry-level model, it will greet the Porsche 960.
Though specifics are obviously still on the horizon, we can expect an eight-cylinder powertrain, perhaps with some electric assistance mid-mounted for exceptional handling properties. Car magazine tells of testing being performed on a Cayman’s frame, meaning this won’t be the brand’s 918 successor.
Read More: Porsche’s 718 Cayman Steps Out Into The Spotlight
Instead, this could turn out to be what enthusiasts have dreamed of for years: a Porsche 911-sized model with a mid-engined platform. The 960 will also incorporate new technologies like a VarioCom, which translates to a variable engine compression for consistent peak power delivery and efficiency without the danger of combustion.
The 960 should live in the neighborhood of 650 horsepower, thanks to four turbochargers, akin to the Veyron’s setup. As a reminder, the 718 Boxster and Cayman feature a single turbo while the new 911s use a twin-turbo design.
The new model will be built on Volkswagen’s modular platform, which will scale from the next-generation 718 to the Audi R8, to the Lamborghini Huracan successor. Given the latter two platform partners, it follows that Porsche’s 960 will share an all-wheel drive setup in standard form, with a rear-wheel driven “lightweight” version to follow.
Whatever does eventually replace the Porsche 918 will oversee the German automaker’s model range, followed by the 960, and then the classic 911.
