The starting point for the new design was the modified proportions of the sports car. The 100-millimetres longer wheelbase, the wider track at the front and the reduced height, coupled with the up to 20-inch wheels are the foundations of a new Coupé with an even more athletic appearance. From this basis, the designers developed the new 911 shape with an optimised height/width ratio. Without changing the overall width, a sports car was created that sits even lower on the road. The standard bi-xenon headlights have also been reshaped and reflect the traditional circular headlight outline of the 911. Following tradition once again, the new 911 does not have a radiator grille but side air intakes – a characteristic feature of the Porsche sports car with rear engine. The other front lights (LED indicators, daytime running lights and position lights) have been moved to the very outside and have been extended around the front to the side; they therefore emphasise the powerful effect of the width of the 911 front end. The exterior mirrors have found a new home on the top shoulder. From the side, the 911 features precise lines with a taut, dynamic look. The more prominently arched and flatter outline of the windscreen plays its part in creating the low, fast silhouette. The typical 911 distinguishing feature is still the characteristic side window design with the triangular window which is now even more tapered towards the rear. In this way the Porsche “flyline” is retained; the roof line slopes downwards towards the rear, ends above the rear wheels and therefore emphasises where the power of a 911 is transferred to the road.

At the rear a continuous ridge above the new, strikingly slim rear lights structures the rear end across the entire width of the vehicle for the first time, thus giving an impression of width. This effect is further enhanced by the powerful shoulders of the sturdily shaped rear wings. The rear spoiler below the air intakes of the engine cover has been redesigned and is now wider. Furthermore, LED technology has been used for all the rear lights.

The 991 series Cabriolet is another masterpiece of the current design. The fabric hood follows the contours set by the Coupé roof almost exactly and gives this 911 Cabriolet a look that is as perfect as that of the Coupé. The credit for this mainly goes to the roof designers who have developed technology for retracting and putting up the roof which can create exactly this shape.