Prototypes of Porsche’s seventh-generation 911 have been spotted roaming frozen roads in Northern Europe, and unlike previously-spied mules based on the existing 991.2-generation car, these proudly flaunt near-production-spec bodywork. Camouflage is surprisingly minimal, and there’s plenty of detail on display.

From the side, the new Porsche 911’s silhouette is true to form – don’t expect any radical departures from the fastbacked coupe profile that has been the 911’s calling card since its inception in 1963. However that’s where the similarities with the current model end.

2017 Porsche 911 side front

At the opposite end of the car, the front quarter panels now completely encircle the headlamps ‑ 993-style ‑ while the side indicator repeaters are relocated above the cutline to nest within the quarter sheet metal. Some sparingly-applied camouflage attempts to give the front air dam a similar look to the present-gen ‘991.2’ Carrera, but beneath the tape we can see a broader, squarer aperture similar to that of the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman.

2017-Porsche -911-side

Slim flush-fit door handles replace the current car’s door pulls, though features like the longitudinally-straked engine cover and door-mounted wing mirrors remain.

2017-Porsche -911-rear -side

The platform is expected to accommodate both rear- and mid-engined configurations, with the next-generation Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman, Lamborghini Aventador, Huracan and Audi R8 all expected to be spun off the new architecture.

2017-Porsche -911-rear

Expect to see the next-gen Porsche 911 make its global debut sometime in 2018, before launching as a 2019 model.