Less than a month ago, Porsche unveiled one of the world’s worst kept secrets: the brand-new, 911 in Carrera and Carrera S versions. As usual, the coupe versions are just the beginning. Porsche may be criticized for carefully simply updating its classic model’s looks with each generation, instead of presenting something different, but apparently that’s what its customers want.

Even its most vehement detractors, however, cannot deny that the Weissach carmaker gradually rolls out many versions of the 911, which cover every niche of its segment –and then some… So read on to see how Porsche’s 48-year old sports car will evolve in the near future.

2012: 991 Cabriolet and Carrera 4

The first offspring of the new 911 to hit the showrooms will be the convertible that will be launched next year -probably in the summer.

The new 911 convertible will still sport a soft-top, like its predecessor, but it will be a newly-developed unit with lightweight panels covered by a soft material, a solution which offers better insulation and eliminates visible cutlines on the outside of the roof.

Later in the year, Porsche will unveil yet another version: the four-wheel drive Carrera 4. Like the 997, the AWD 991 will come in two flavors, the 350HP Carrera 4 and the 400HP Carrera 4S. Both engines come from the respective coupe versions as do the seven-speed manual and dual-clutch PDK transmissions.

2013: 991 Turbo and GT3

No 911 line-up since 1975 is complete without a Turbo version, which in the case of the 991 will come in two years’ time. It will feature all-wheel drive, like the outgoing 997 Turbo with motivation provided by a twin-turbocharged version of the Carrera S 3.8-liter flat-six delivering around 520HP.

The GT3, which has always been a favorite of 911 purists will also be launched in 2013. It will be rear-wheel drive only and powered by a more powerful version of the normally aspirated 3.8-liter engine. Both its suspension setup and the interior will be more hardcore that the Carrera S, the bodywork will feature aero add-ons and a new rear wing. A manual gearbox will be the only transmission offered.

2014: 911 Targa

As Porsche’s new boss, Matthias Muller, revealed in an interview with MotorTrend, the 991-based Targa will ditch the sliding glass roof introduced in the 993 model in favor of a new solution.

“The problem with the 997 version was that it was not a ‘real’ Targa”, said Muller. So expect something like the original 1967 Targa with a fixed glass rear window and a removable middle section, updated of course to 21st century standards.

20XX: 991 Hybrid and Spyder?

Porsche has been racing a hybrid version of the GT3 R in endurance races such as the Nürburgring 24h event for the past two years.

Muller did not rule out a hybrid 991 –instead he said that there will be one version “that will surprise” us. Could it be equipped with the more frugal, as well as performance-enhancing, hybrid system? Guess we’ll have to wait to find out.

Of course, that’s not all: as usual there will also be numerous 991 versions such as the Speedster, the GT3 RS, the Turbo S, the Turbo S Convertible, the GT2, and a few more variations of the aforementioned models. To those you can add the numerous Cup, R, RS, RSR etc. racing versions.

There you have it: the low-down on what Porsche has in store for the 911 in the years to come. Follow the jump to see our scoop photos.

Story References: Car Magazine

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