Porsche fans are getting excited about reports that plans are underway for a mid-engined, V-8-powered sports car that will be positioned between the 911 and the 918 Spyder. This model, which may arrive at dealerships as early as 2013, is likely to rival the Ferrari 458 Italia and the McLaren MP4-12C. It’s speculated that the sports car will get the 961 name and will be priced at $280,000. The 961 moniker is reminiscent of the 1980s Group B racecar based on the 959. This new range-topping vehicle will use lightweight engineering techniques from the 911 GT2 RS and it is also set to receive a carbon fiber, monocoque chassis.  

The 961 is powered by a V-8 engine but it’s still uncertain which one it will be exactly. It’s possible that it will get a detuned version of the 500-hp, 4.8-liter turborcharged V-8 from the Panamera Turbo and Cayenne Turbo. AutoExpress thinks that this may be too heavy and so it may instead have a turbocharged version of the 3.4-liter V-8 that powers the RS Syder racecar. Bur regardless of the engine, the output is expected to be about 600hp, with a highly ideal power-to-weight ratio. The 961’s aesthetics will take inspiration from the present Panamera and Cayman as well as from the next-generation 911 that’s set to arrive in 2012. It’s also expected to have an appearance that’s similar to the 918 RSR racecar from the recently held Detroit auto show. The present plans are only for a hardtop version of the car but a roadster remains a possibility.