Agreed. I think the Panamera looks way better in the flesh than in pictures. May be the same for the Caymera.

 

This is what I expected the front end would resemble:



If it looked anything like this, I'll admit that I might be all over it. Much cleaner front bumper, more defined and sharper headlamp design and an overall greater step forward in design. Maybe we'll see a refreshed 991 sometime around/after the 918 launch?

Also, you can see the 918 influence on the rear tails from this pic:

 

I know 2 inches doesn't sound like much, but that makes the 991 over 2 in longer than a Corvette & R8 and 4 in longer than a Vantage or Gallardo. Now the Vantage doesn't appear to be a large car, but the Vette absolutely looks and feels LARGE. The car just keep getting larger and larger over time. I know that's somewhat of the trend across the completely auto industry, but that's just not necessarily in the best interest of the 911.

And YES, it still 'looks' like a 911, but the iconic shape is watered down. It no longer has the strong Bullfrog stance that the earlier designs had (especially the 993 C2S) in which the 997 maintained some of that look. The rear of the 991 is too high and the rear is too 'flat'. It's obviously a 911, but to me a very watered-down 911 design.

 

i really think it is a good sign to change the direction slightly and making it less beetle and sleeker than ever before and it´s still unmistakably a 911.
(it also gives hope for the rear of the 2nd generation Panamera.)
the 991 simply looks sharper and the added inches, while being technically necessary (hybrid), will also provide a much airier atmosphere inside the cabin.
For me 991 = WIN

@wjohnson36, while i love the 918 Spyder, it resembles the 917 cars of the 70s.
The 911´s godfather is the 356 and future 911s would lose lots of its tradition and iconic status if they would go down the 918 path.

 

rear is definitely too high. makes the car look sloppy and lazier.
can't say i'm in love with the front either. those downward slopping turn lights make the front seem confused.
also, am i the only one that thinks the car with the rear wing deployed look hideous?
it's so non-discreet and large to the point where it feels like you're looking into the engine bay! i like the more anonymous look of the 997's rear spoiler. obviously i'm talking aesthetics, not functionality.

i'm sure once i see it in person, certain preconceptions of mine will change but right now, i'm pretty happy to own a 997.
I just back from a business trip from germany and most 997's are debadged or have the '911' badge. what the hell where they thinking with this new badging scheme?!
way too noisy.

can't comment about the interior since i haven't been inside a panamera yet
i guess the navigation through one of the speedometers windows would be a sweet feature to have...

 

new photos !

 

Still a Caymera, but looks pretty hot to me. I bet sales won't suffer one bit.

 

Woo...

that rear sure is polarizing IMO.

 

I can live with the rear (minus the ridiculous script). The front however, seems unnecessarily busy without serving any particular function.

 

+1. It is starting to look slightly JDM (a la Maserati GranSport). The rear took some cues from Aston... Coming from the guy who complains about the lack of design change - it does look a lot more different than its predecessor than the 997 did.

That said, I see the next evolution being quite a drastic departure from the 993 (some may prefer this).

 

I still don't think 2 inches in overall growth is that much. That is smaller than a sticky note. . I think the 991 plumped up and rounded out with more of a convex shape, which may create the illusion that the car grew a lot in size when it only grew 2 inches. No biggy to me.

The only odd thing to me is the spoiler, but I haven't seen enough to decide yet.

I think the degree to which the 911's iconic shape is "watered down" is minimal. People are still going to know you are driving a 911 (if they know what a 911 is). It just looks more modern and sleek and luxurious. What is so wrong with having visual cues of GT car with the raw performance of the 911? I am really loving the new design. IMHO, the carrera models should be taking more visual cue from GT cars because the carrera models will mostly be driven on the street. It just makes sense.

What is wrong with the 991 looking like an Aston Martin? IMHO, Astons are the most beautiful and classy cars that money can buy. I was deciding if I should buy a Vantage but was a little apprehensive of the little quirks with such a low production volume car. Now, the 991 is the perfect solution for my predicament. I get the looks and charm reminiscent of an Aston with the looks that is unmistakably 911 plus the raw performance that we all come to expect from a 911.

The new 991 is really shaping up to be something great imo.

 

Like every Porsche, the more I look it at, the more I like it... I can't wait to get my hands on one. My favorite pic so far:

 

If you're referring to my comment about how the back looks like the Astons, you're right. They are some of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. I was just noting an observation, not complaining.

However, my concern is that the next evolution may not be as subtle (welcomed by those who want a new model, not just a continued face lift). I can see a trend forming with a taller back end.

And about the 2 inches - you're right, it isn't a lot, but 2 + 2 + 2 + 2, etc... = big car. Compare the new BMW 1M and E92M3 to an E36M3.

 

I gotta admit, the 991 is growing on me.

 

OK Whoa...those new pictures on this page do look different (the front end) -- so Porsche is finally starting to make the 911 front good looking (ie. not a frog eyed pug)

They have elongated the lights...which had to happen...but not enough

1. They need to add some more RSR spyder or Carrera GT into those lights; maybe for the 992 in 8 years

2. They need to widen the car so it has some road presence...making it long is cool, but for curb appeal you need width

3. They need to add the RSR spyder's aggressive hood flares...even the Panamera has it.


Basically the front needs to be more like a Panamera's front...smooth, cool lights, with an aggressive hood.

Will look better than the dated frog eyed look.


NB. I know 99% of the classic lovers appreciate the bug eyed look. IMO then, Porsche should keep the 911 an old bug eyed car, keep it small...but give us a 911- like mid-engine car that is broad, low, with curb side appeal.