Slantnose Revival Rumor

New 911 Rumors

There’s new chatter about Porsche possibly reviving a cult classic from the ’80s—the 911 Turbo Flachbau. Recently, Porsche registered the name “Flachbau” and “Flachbau RS” with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), fueling speculation about a new exclusive edition of the 911. This potential model might blend high-performance, track-ready dynamics with a redesigned front end heavily influenced by aerodynamics. Over the years, Porsche has been revisiting its rich history with a series of models that pay homage to previous decades, and this seems like the perfect opportunity for another trip down memory lane.

The Slantnose Legacy

The original 911 Flachbau, or “slantnose,” is a legend among Porsche aficionados. This limited edition was part of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (special wishes) program and reflected an era when the brand’s racing 935s, like those from Kremer Racing, modified the 911’s nose for improved aerodynamics. The road-going version swapped the standard front fenders for a streamlined profile in line with the hood, making room for those quintessential ’80s features: pop-up headlights. Additional modifications included large intakes ahead of the rear wheels, much like the Ferrari Testarossa, and the iconic “Turbo” wing at the back.

Out of about 950 units, most were fitted with a 3.3-liter engine, as opposed to the standard 3.0-liter from the 1978 Turbos, which amped the power up to 330 horsepower. This made the car not just a style icon but a performance beast as well.

Speculations and Potential

So, what about bringing back this high-class piece using the modern 911 as a foundation? There’s been no official word from Porsche yet, but the registration hints something special might be cooking. Porsche has previously announced plans to develop four Heritage Design models. Some might remember the 2019 Targa 4S, echoing the ’50s with its unique color scheme and retro interior. More recently, the 2022 911 Sport Classic paid tribute to its late ’60s racing lineage and stunned with a powerful 550 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

A ‘Flachbau RS’ could potentially involve Porsche’s GT department, well-known for creating the GT2 and GT3 series cars, so expectations are sky-high. A curious detail regarding the potential design is those iconic pop-up headlights. While they may be out of fashion due to modern safety standards, there’s a buzz around using advanced LED technology for a contemporary twist on this vintage hallmark.

Stay tuned, as this could be a thrilling ride back into the golden era of bold design and high performance.