Porsche 911 Gets Facelift, New Turbo Engine

Volkswagen AG's Porsche brand is giving its iconic 911 a mid-cycle makeover later this year ahead of the all-new model due in 2018.

The 911 facelift includes relatively minor changes in exterior styling. Tweaks include a revised front bumper, larger air intakes, horizontal LED daytime running lights and a new exhaust system.

The interior gets a 918-like steering wheel design with a 4-mode driving selector and Porsche's latest multimedia system, which debuted on the Cayenne crossover vehicle.

The current naturally aspirated rear-engine 3.4- and 3.8-liter 6-cylinder powerplants are expected to be replaced by downsized turbocharged mills, according to several media reports. They say the new engines, which will continue to use Porsche's horizontally-opposed piston configuration, will be more powerful and more efficient than the ones they're replacing.

Separately, France's L'Automobile magazine says Porsche will unveil its long-rumored electric vehicle likely based on the new Pajun midsize car at the Frankfurt auto show in September. The company showed EV prototypes and concept models in 2011 and 2012 but has since maintained that performance and range enhancements are needed to make the technology viable for its sports car lineup.