2017 Porsche 960: A 600-plus-hp, Mid-Engined Bridge Between the 911 and 918

The mid-mounted quad-turbocharged powerhouse will then be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and an all-wheel-drive system. Porsche is aiming for a zero-60mph sprint time of just 2.5 seconds. The development of this new engine has allegedly already been granted by VW Group chief Ferdinand Piech who is not new to this set up as he once drove a boxer eight one off Porsche 914 and a flat eight Cayman.

The 3.9 liter engine is expected to dispense 650 hp and Porsche is expecting to sell 3000-4000 of these cars in a period of six years when production begins in 2017.

The Porsche 960, known internally as "FeFi" (for "Ferrari fighter") is moving full speed ahead.

The solution: a boxer eight. Word has it that Volkswagen Group chief Ferdinand Piech approved this application. Piech used to drive a one-off Porsche 914 equipped with a boxer eight-cylinder, and, more recently, the chairman was said to be driving a Cayman fitted with a flat eight. Featuring four turbochargers, two intercoolers, four adjustable camshafts, a complex multistage intake manifold, and dual-stage exhaust, the 3.9-liter engine is expected to deliver 650 hp. It will be mounted low in the middle of the car, connecting to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 960 relies on an aluminum-intensive architecture supported by steel, carbon fiber, magnesium, titanium, and other composite elements to keep weight to about 3000 pounds. Porsche is resisting high-tech, heavy add-ons such as the 918's electric motors. All-wheel drive made the cut and adds close to 200 pounds but earns its keep by getting the power to the ground -- 0 to 60 mph allegedly takes only 2.5 seconds. An even more raw, rear-wheel-drive GT edition may follow. No convertible, for now.

POWERTRAIN: A 650hp quad turbocharged eight-cylinder boxer engine with an automatic seven speed dual clutch transmission with manual shiftability, as well as all-wheel drive. Porsche says that 0-60 could be as low as 2.5 seconds.
COMPETITION: Mid-engined supercars such as the Audi R8, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo, and McLaren MP4-12C.
ESTIMATED PRICE: Over $200,000