So, here we are. We’ve managed to cover (almost) every generation of oil-cooled 911 in these write-ups. It is always best to reflect on a 911 generation in its entirety, and with proceeding and preceding generations to bookend and provide a frame of reference. The 991 for example had 29 variations, and helps explain how we got to where we are now from the 997. Where we are now is the early stages of the 992 generation. We haven’t even finished what is likely the “992.1” version of this generation, and we are nowhere near the 29 variations the 991 provided. That being said, there is still a lot to say. There were crucial changes for this generation, and there is some exciting news for the future.
The 992 debuted in 2018 and started hitting showroom floors in 2019. Like most Porsche generation changes, it was an evolution of the previous 991.2 rather than a redesign. Major changes were mostly aesthetic, with the exterior gaining some styling cues from older Porsche’s and the interior receiving an update with the latest in Porsche technology. The 992 grew ever so slightly in size compared to the 991.2. It gained about 60lbs, 1 inch in length, and 1.8 inches in width. The wheelbase remained unchanged, and the added width came from the GTS and AWD widebody from the previous generation now being standard on all 992 models. Wheel diameters were now staggered with larger rear wheels, and wheel width has been increased overall for increased grip. The changes from 991.2 to 992 are not that significant on their own, but the sum of all these small changes has created a 911 that is unique to the one that came before it.
So as mentioned, the 991 had around 29 variants, give or take market-specific special editions and track-only vehicles. This gives us a lot of places to go with the current 992 generation 911. Beyond what we can call the regular 911s; Carrera’s, C2S’s, C4S’s, GTS’s, 4 GTS’s, Targas, Cabriolets, Turbos, and so on. The only really irregular 992s we have received have been the GT3 and GT3 Touring. We can safely assume that there will be a GT3 RS and perhaps even a GT2 RS. While the 991 gave us special editions like the Speedster and the 911R, there is talk of future special editions for the 992.
Three future versions of the 992 911 have been rumoured and eventually confirmed. Each version pays homage to a previous 911, but few details exist beyond what they will be called.
First off is the Sport Classic. This is rumoured to be a rear-wheel-drive 911 with Turbo S power and a manual transmission.
Next up is the ST. This should be somewhat of a 911R replacement, being a stripped down and possibly wider version of the current GT3. The ST was originally a race oriented 911 variant from the 70s.
Finally there is the RS. This variant has existed as a standalone model as recently as the 993, and we know to expect reduced weight and ducktail spoilers at the very least.
There have also been both lifted safari style versions of the 992 and hybridised versions spotted testing at the Nurburgring in Germany. It is safe to say that the 992 will bring forth even more variants than the 991. We’ll hold back from putting forward any strong opinions on the 992, other than we love it now and we can’t wait to see what more comes of it.