What evidence suggests Porsche is working on a new Flachbau (slantnose) 911?

Porsche filed trademarks for Flachbau and Flachbau RS in May, and recent Nürburgring spy shots show a 911 prototype with slantnose-style hood, taped NACA ducts, unique headlight packaging and Manthey elements — all pointing to a possible modern Flachbau project.

Is the prototype likely to be road-legal or a track-only car?

That's still unclear. The spy car shows track-focused aero, active elements and Manthey tuning, but Porsche has previously offered both road-legal limited editions and track-dedicated variants. Production decisions will likely depend on homologation, market demand and the intended collector positioning.

How many Flachbau cars might Porsche build and how expensive will they be?

If Porsche follows historical precedent, production will be very limited. In the 1980s just over 900 factory-modified Flachbau cars were produced; a modern run would likely be far smaller and command a significant price premium, appealing mainly to collectors and enthusiasts.

What performance and design features are expected from a modern Flachbau 911?

Expect a high-revving flat-six platform similar to GT3/GT3 RS, Manthey-tuned suspension, active aero (adjustable rear wing and flaps), oversized brakes, center-lock wheels or Aerodisc-style covers, and bespoke coachwork reflecting 935-inspired slantnose styling.

Spied at the Nürburgring: Is Porsche Building a New Flachbau (Slantnose) 911?

5 Minutes

Intriguing prototype sighting

A heavily camouflaged Porsche 911 prototype was caught lapping the Nürburgring, and the bodywork carries unmistakable Flachbau — or slantnose — cues. Porsche quietly filed trademarks for Flachbau and Flachbau RS in May, and this test mule adds fresh momentum to rumors that a new limited-run Slantnose 911 could be on the horizon. The test car also shows Manthey hardware, which suggests a close link with Porsche's in-house performance partner.

Design: unmistakable slantnose character

The prototype's front end is the clearest hint: a longer hood with headlights integrated or folded flush into the bonnet where conventional round lamps would normally sit. The testers have taped over the lamp areas, making interpretation tricky, but the hood geometry and masked NACA ducts reinforce the idea of a modern Flachbau reinterpretation. Squared-off intakes, a pronounced front splitter and relocated fender ventilation flaps — pushed up toward the hood — give the car a more extreme, race-derived stance.

Rear and aero details

A giant rear wing dominates the silhouette; its unusual profile and visible sensors point to an active aero element. The rear wheels look similar to Aerodisc designs found on Manthey kits, and behind the center-lock rims sit oversized carbon-ceramic brakes with yellow calipers. The rear diffuser is heavily hidden by camouflage but the aggressive aero package overall reads like a track-capable 911 with significant downforce bias.

Performance and mechanical hints

Onlookers note several GT3 RS cues — fender vents, wide arches, and aggressive cooling inlets — but their placement differs from current models. The presence of sensors on the wing and large intakes suggests active aero, adjustable flaps and a package optimized for high-speed stability. If Manthey is involved, expect chassis tuning, stiffer suspension, upgraded dampers and enhanced braking hardware, all calibrated for ring performance.

Vehicle specifications (expected)

Powertrain

Likely to use a high-revving flat-six from the 911 GT3/GT3 RS family, possibly detuned or tuned further depending on whether Porsche sells a road-legal or track-only variant.

Chassis and brakes

Manthey-developed suspension, center-lock wheels, aero-optimized bodywork, carbon-ceramic brakes with high-performance calipers.

Aero and weight

Active rear wing with adjustable flap, NACA ducts (masked), comprehensive carbon-fibre aero elements; emphasis on reduced lift and improved cooling rather than sheer weight savings, though lightweight components are likely.

Market positioning and production outlook

Porsche's Flachbau legacy dates to the 1980s, when factory-modified Turbo Flachbau cars — inspired by the 935 racer — were rare and expensive. Historically Porsche modified just over 900 examples ex-works, making original Flachbau cars exceedingly collectible. If Porsche proceeds with a modern Flachbau or Flachbau RS, expect a very limited run, a steep price premium and a strong appeal to collectors and track-day enthusiasts. Whether Porsche will sell the model as a road-legal homologation special, a limited-run coachbuilt option or a track-only weapon remains unclear.

Comparisons and likely buyers

A new Slantnose 911 would sit above standard Carrera and Turbo models in exclusivity, and likely overlap with GT3 RS in terms of performance focus. Buyers will include Porsche collectors chasing heritage models, aficionados who value Manthey-tuned dynamics, and owners seeking an extreme Porsche with historical connections to the 935 lineage.

Context: Porsche Heritage and trademarks

Porsche recently launched its Heritage Design series, and the 911 Spirit 70 was the third of four planned releases celebrating decades of Porsche history. The Flachbau name filing, combined with this prototype, strengthens the case that the brand is considering a factory-sanctioned revival of the 1980s Turbo Flachbau concept — reimagined for modern aero, electronics and chassis technology.

Conclusion

This Nürburgring mule hints strongly at a Flachbau-inspired 911 with Manthey involvement: a high-performance, limited-edition slantnose that could command collector-level prices. Key unknowns remain — exact power figures, whether it will be road-legal, and how many units Porsche will build — but the spy shots suggest Porsche is exploring a serious and authentic revival rather than a mere design study.

Ethan Miles

"I’m Ethan — gearhead by nature, writer by choice. If it’s got wheels and horsepower, I’ve probably tested it or written about it!"

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