This 911 Slantnose Prototype Could Be Porsche’s Biggest Surprise In Years

Spy shots capture a strange Porsche 911 prototype at the Nürburgring, sparking speculation of a Slantnose revival

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Few automakers anticipate their customers’ desires quite like Porsche. Over the years, it has delivered a long list of special edition 911s that vanish from showrooms almost instantly, no matter the price tag. Now, there are signs the brand may be preparing to revive one of its most recognizable badges for a limited-run model, a move that would no doubt turn the heads of supercar buyers.

Not too long ago, Weissach trademarked the names Flachbau and Flachbau RS, which translates to ‘Slantnose’ in German. The 911 Turbo Slantnose is one of the most distinctive iterations of the rear-engined sports car ever, so it’s hardly surprising that Porsche could be preparing to release a modern version.

Read: New Porsche 911 GT2 RS Flaunts Its Huge Fenders Because A GT3 RS Is Just Too Skinny

This prototype was recently nabbed during testing at the Nurburgring, and it’s intriguing, to say the least. Most notably, this prototype is not based on the current 992-generation 911, but rather the old 991 model, complete with many of the same parts as the GT2 RS.

Why Use the 991?

Production of the 991 wrapped up years ago, which makes its appearance here particularly unusual. If Porsche were truly bringing back the Slantnose, the 992 platform would be the natural choice. That leaves another explanation: the 991 test mule may simply be a stand-in for parts destined for a future 992.2 special edition.

Photos Baldauf

Among the most eye-catching features are the headlights, which sit flush with the bodywork rather than protruding like those on other current models.

In addition, this prototype includes plastic side and rear windows, as well as a bespoke rear wing to help stick the rear wheels to the pavement. Speaking of the rear wheels, they sport aero discs, similar to what was found on Manthey’s kit for the old 911 GT2 RS.

What Porsche Might Be Planning

Porsche is known to be developing an all-new 911 GT2 RS, and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the Flachbau could return as an exclusive version of that car, and the company is simply using the old GT2 RS tester to throw outlets like ourselves off the scent.

Whatever Porsche has in mind, the sightings suggest that something unusual is in the works for the 911, and the odds of it reaching production appear to be increasing.

Photos Baldauf