We Hear: Porsche 960 Supercar Slated for Production in 2019

Rumors about a Porsche 960 have been swirling around for afew years now, but a new report fromCAR Magazinesuggests the supercar is still on the table and will likely feature a flat-eight engine with variable compression ratio technology.

Previous reports suggested the 960, which would slot between the 911 and 918 Spyder, was originally slated to get a turbocharged flat-six. That changed when former Volkswagen Group boss Ferdinand Piech reportedly approved a 3.9-liter boxer-eight engine fitted with four turbos pumping out an estimated 650 horsepower.

The engine will undoubtedly be packed with groundbreaking technology including a "VarioCom" variable compression ratio system. According to the report, Porsche patented a variable-length connecting rod featuring an adjuster up top that is controlled by oil flow. The adjuster changes the position of a small end bearing at the piston's wrist pin, which then adjusts stroke and compression ratio. That allows the engine to run a higher compression ratio for low-speed, efficiency-focused driving and lower compression when more power is needed.

The report confirms previous speculation that the 960 would ride on a mid-engine platform available with a rear- or all-wheel drive setup. It could run from 0-62 mph in 2.5 seconds with a price point more in line with the Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracan, and McLaren 650S. The 960 was originally rumored to be released in 2017, but it appears that date has been pushed back to 2019, likely after the next-generation 911.

Source: Car Magazine