The new Porsche 911, due to go on sale next year, looks set to feature a seven-speed manual gearbox.
A teaser video of the car in action apparently shows the seven-speed manual transmission during interior shots.
The gear knob appears to have five markings up and three down, the same layout that was rumoured to be under consideration earlier this summer.
Word is that the additional gear comes as part of Porsche’s drive to supply a taller final gear to help improve fuel efficiency.
According to Car and Driver, Porsche has confirmed with them that the seven-speed manual gearbox will be included on the new Porsche 911 and has been designed for motorway use to lower emissions and fuel consumption.
Spy shots of the next generation 911, in both cabriolet and coupe versions, have recently been taken at the infamous Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
They show a slightly larger car with wider rear track and what is thought to be a 345 bhp engine.
The prestige car will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, so until then, motorists will have to keep speculating about the final production version.
Porsche is also developing the 911 Targa, also due to go on sale early next year.
Motor Authority’s spy shots show a bigger, roomier, more efficient and more powerful car, with a glass roof that slides back and remains on top of the car, like a rear spoiler. This should boost storage space and could aid aerodynamics.
It will be much the same as the 911 Carrera, with a downsized 3.4-litre flat-six engine with direct injection technology to give upwards of 400 bhp. It too will offer the new seven-speed manual gearbox, as well as the existing seven-speed PDK dual clutch unit.
The 911 Targa should make its debut shortly after the other 911 models.
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