2016 Porsche 911 spy pics

Subtle exterior changes but major engine developments for the sports car world's most enduring icon

HEADING for production soon – via the Nurburgring circuit of course – is the first facelift for the current 991-generation Porsche 911 and it could be in Australian dealerships by the end of this year.

Spotted earlier this week racing through the notorious Nordschleife, the changes seem restricted to non-sheetmetal, and include new LED lighting elements, redesigned bumpers (with revised side air intakes), restyled alloys, and repositioned exhaust tips.

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The latter suggests significant modifications underneath, including the long rumoured switch to all-turbo powerplants for the core range, replacing the naturally aspirated versions of the 257kW/390Nm 3.4-litre and 294kW/440Nm 3.8-litre flat sixes. Whether the forced induction move brings smaller-capacity units in the name of achieving greater fuel efficiency numbers is unknown, though the scuttlebutt is abuzz with a sub-3.0-litre flat-six turbo for the 911's opening gambit. The track-focused 911 GT3 may remain atmo.

One thing you can be sure of is an upgrade of the current 911's multimedia and communications interface, with a move to the Volkswagen Group's latest systems. Accompanying these will be revisions to the dash, centre console, and possibly steering wheel, along with the usual trim and specifications updates associated with mid-life makeovers of this level.

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While Porsche is keeping mum on when the facelifted 991 will surface, bets are on that it will star on the firm's IAA Frankfurt motor show stand starting in mid-September.

The spy shots have surfaced in the wake of Porsche's limited-run 911 Black Edition series, suggesting that the 2012-era current version is indeed in runout, and offering $25,000 of additional gear over the standard-issue Coupe and Cabriolet models, including LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lights System Plus, Park Assist with a reversing camera, and 20-inch Turbo wheels.

Pricing for the 991.2 should shadow that of the existing range, which kicks off from $208,600 for the Carrera Coupe with the seven-speed manual transmission, topping out at $466,900 for the Turbo S Cabriolet PDK.

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Have spy pics of your own? We'd love to see them. Send them to wheels@bauertrader.com.au