Lee Sibley By Lee Sibley 3 years ago

Will the 992.2 get a 4.0-litre NA engine?

9WERKS' spies have spotted the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera in testing… and it might not be turbocharged after all

Porsche will bring out a facelifted version of its 911 Carrera range for 2023 – and these sensational pictures hint at the possibility of the 992.2 returning to a naturally-aspirated flat six engine.

Porsche uses 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged flat six engines for its Carrera range, including S, 4S, C2, C4 and all GTS models. The company has used these ‘9A2’ DFI engines, or variants of, since the 991.2-generation launched in 2016.

However, 9WERKS spies have spotted prototypes for the next-gen 992.2 in cold weather testing in Sweden for the first time, and the mules have revealed key new details – chief of which concerns the 911’s beating heart.

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    As you can see from our images, the 992.2 mule has a new exhaust placement, moving to a more central position compared to the current 992.1 offering. The position of these exhausts, as well as their profile, is strikingly reminiscent of the 4.0-litre, naturally-aspirated flat sixes currently housed in Porsche’s 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0 models.

    The fact these cars have enjoyed the flat six thrills of a naturally aspirated engine, while the 911 programme continues with turbocharged units, has irked enthusiasts of Porsche’s iconic sports car ever since the 4.0-litre 718 GTSs, GT4 and Spyder were launched.

    That could be about to change though, with our spies claiming confirmation, via their own sources, of the switch to the celebrated NA engine. To date, 9WERKS has been unable to independently verify those claims. 

      Regardless, such a move would no doubt prove popular with 911 enthusiasts, who currently have to battle against huge demand and modest build numbers of 911 GT products to get their atmospheric flat six fix.

      Other visible details on the 992.2 prototypes include new vertical rather than horizontal front grill vents, which open and close according to cooling and aerodynamic requirements. A new rear bumper design housing those repositioned exhausts is evident, plus the decklid design has been tweaked and appears to be presented in two halves, either side of a central brake light. Inside, a new, fully-digital dashboard was seen in operation.

      9WERKS will bring you more information on the 992.2 ahead of its 2023 production launch. Thanks to CarPixAB for the photos. 

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