Making The Case For A Modern-Day Compact Porsche 911: A Return To Its Sports Car Roots

Two Potential Powerplants For A Modern-Day 911 Compact

The Porsche 911, has long been synonymous with a range of potent power plants (think Mezger mill) and its rear-engine layout. Its distinctive character has captivated enthusiasts for decades, solidifying its position as a benchmark for sports cars. However, recent hints from Porsche’s Chief Designer, Michael Mauer, have sparked speculation about a potential departure from this established formula. With dimensions and weight, which are considerably more owing to stringent safety regulations, today’s 911 is more GT car, than the original sports car of the ‘60s, which Butzi Porsche helped design.

While the idea of a smaller, 911 might seem counterintuitive at first, there are some compelling arguments in favor of such a model. With the phasing out of the 2.0-liter mill seen in the current Boxster and Cayman, set to be replaced by an all-electric model, Should a compact 911 become a reality, Porsche should strongly consider repurposing this smaller displacement four-cylinder. No harm in some in-house engine swapping. We’ve already seen it between the GT4 RS and 911 GT3 RS, which share the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter mill. A smaller, lighter engine paired with a lighter chassis (around 2,500-2,700 pounds) could result in a more agile driving experience.

“Personally, I Would Love To Create A Smaller Sports Car, To See What The Possibilities Are In Terms Of Packaging,” Mauer Told The Drive.

However, the prospect of a smaller 911 does raise concerns about preserving the 911’s iconic character. After all, the flat-six mill has long been a defining feature of the 911, contributing to its legendary performance and prestige. A smaller engine might dilute this brand identity, potentially alienating dedicated Porsche enthusiasts. But if you look back to the past, the 911 did have a younger sibling in the form of the 912, which featured a four-cylinder mill.

Alternatively, the smaller platform could also serve as a basis for an all-electric drivetrain. A more energy-dense solid-state battery pack and lightweight motor could be the ideal candidates for a smaller 911. Regardless, maintaining the car’s signature balance and handling characteristics, especially for an all-electric model, could prove to be a significant engineering challenge on an all-new 911.

The Appeal Of A Smaller 911

A compact no-frills 911 could appeal to a broader demographic, including those seeking a more affordable entry point into the Porsche brand. An affordable 911 truly is the need of the hour today. Even the base 911 Carrera these days starts at a steep $122,000 before options and dealer markups. A smaller 911 could slot in between the standard size 992.2 and the all-electric Boxster and Cayman. Speaking of affordability, while this is not something that a sports car buyer probably thinks about as much, the benefit of a smaller displacement engine would result in better fuel efficiency and a longer range, in the case of EV underpinnings.

While Mauer has expressed his desire for an electric 911, it is clear that such a model is still some time away. For now, the company is likely to prioritize other electric vehicles before introducing an electrified version of its iconic sports car. The idea of a compact, four-cylinder 911 presents a fascinating paradox for Porsche. But I feel Porsche should at least consider making it, because look at the resoto-mod scene.

A big chunk of reimagined 911s are based on the 930 and 964,, and to some folks out there, it is that more compact form factor that is really appealing. This also applies to EV conversion kits for older generation 911s. At this point, Porsche is playing catchup to the resto-mod market. The Singer ACS came out before the 911 Dakar, and even Tuthill launched an homage to the 911 GT1 hypercar, but Porsche is yet to deliver a successor to the 918. Hopefully, Porsche will be able to execute Mauer’s vision, reclaim lost ground, and deliver fans a nimble little modern-day 911 sportscar soon.