2012 Porsche 911 images leaked

From the front we can see the new 911 will showcase a modern headlight design with LED lighting. The headlight clusters remain round like the existing Porsche 911 range. Slight changes in the front bumper bar have been made including a new set of daytime-running LEDs encrusted into the front edges.

Taking a look inside we can see the new 911 will offer a more grown-up layout with increased sophistication. The centre of the dash features chunky beams and support contours which run from the gear level mounting area up to the top vent on the dashboard; a completely new layout compared with the existing 911 range.

At the back, the new 911 is bit more distinguishable, with the key characteristic that differentiates it from the existing model being a squashed down tail, leaving thinner taillights and a more sloped rear windscreen. The engine cover also now features three-tier venting compared with the existing four-tier layout on the current model.

Other major changes include an extended wheelbase which is said to provide more interior room, particularly for rear-seat passengers. The overall length of the new model is also stretched to 4490mm, up 56mm over the current model. While the length has been stretched, the height of the new model from the roof to the ground is apparently shortened by 11mm.

Official details on the engine specifications and trim levels are yet to be revealed, however, international reports say the new entry-level model will come with a 3.4-litre engine producing around 257kW. The unit is believed to be completely different to the 3.4-litre item found in the Porsche Cayman. It is believed the Carrera S will come with a similar 3.8-litre unit as the current model, with slight power increases (speculated to produce 294kW).

We'll have to wait until the official unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show for more concrete details. In the meantime, feel free to give us your thoughts on the new design and layout of the 2012 Porsche 911 in the comments section below.