Porsche fans might want to buckle up — because one of the brand’s most head-scratching and collectible creations could be making a return.
Reports suggest Porsche is exploring a revival of the Flachbau 911, also known as the “slant nose,” a version of the iconic sports car that ditched the traditional round headlights in favor of a flat, wedge-like front end with pop-up lights, according to Motor1.
The original Flachbau, offered in extremely limited numbers during the 1980s, was inspired by Porsche’s race-ready 935 models, Yahoo Autos said.
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While traditional 911s kept the brand’s signature bug-eyed look, the Flachbau was all sharp angles and stealthy style — a love-it-or-hate-it design that made it a standout both on and off the road.
Only 58 units were built for the first generation, which helps explain why these cars are now incredibly rare and sought after by collectors, according to Porsche.
Now, nearly four decades later, Porsche appears to be flirting with the idea of bringing the slant nose back, perhaps as part of its growing lineup of heritage-inspired vehicles, Jalopnik said.
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Think of it like a greatest hits album, but for gearheads. In recent years, Porsche has successfully launched throwback models like the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition and the 911 Sport Classic, both of which blended vintage styling with modern tech.
A new-age Flachbau could fit right into that playbook.
While Porsche hasn’t made anything official, the buzz stems from reports that the company is actively developing or exploring ways to reintroduce the Flachbau design language, Road and Track said.
If true, we could see a modern interpretation that captures the original’s rebellious spirit but with today’s performance standards and luxury appointments.
And just to prove the appetite for retro Porsche power is alive and well, Estonian firm Kalmar Automotive has thrown its hat in the ring with the launch of the 9X9 — a wild, custom-built tribute to the legendary Porsche 959, Motor1 said.
That car, which dominated the late ’80s supercar scene, was once the fastest street-legal car in the world, boasting a top speed of 197 mph and a production run of just 292 cars. Kalmar’s 9X9 takes inspiration from the 959 but turns the dial up:
- 930 horsepower
- Twin-turbo flat-six engine
- Coach-built customization
- Only 9 units to be made
- Deliveries beginning July 2025
The interior mixes retro cues with modern tech, offering something that’s as much showpiece as it is supercar, KALMAR Automotive said.
It’s an expensive nod to one of the most ambitious cars Porsche ever made, and yet another example of how the past is fueling the future of automotive design.
So, what’s next? Whether Porsche officially greenlights a Flachbau reboot or not, it’s clear that quirky, limited-run icons from decades past still have serious pull. If this rumor pans out, don’t be surprised to see modern slant-nose 911s rolling out of showrooms and straight into car show royalty.
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