Porsche Unveils A Hybrid 911
The Porsche 911 has been a staple of the sports car market since its introduction over 60 years ago. In 8 generations and 6 decades, it may have got larger, heavier and be crammed with more technology and driver aids than ever before, but the basic recipe remains the same as the original. Still with the engine at the rear, still with the familiar silhouette that is instantly recognisable the world over, and still with the same blend of speed and handling yet with every day usability. Its popularity remains stronger than ever, if fact it is our most funded model by Oracle customers year after year and shows no sign of that changing any time soon.
It may have seen some radical changes over the years, not compared to other models of cars but amongst Porsche enthusiasts who would prefer things are pretty much left alone, for those people they were pretty wild. From the infamous ‘fried egg’ headlights to the introduction of water-cooled engines and even electrically assisted steering, changes to the legendary model have been nervously introduced without knowing how well they would be received by the 911 faithful.
But now the model faces its biggest change yet, the introduction of hybrid assistance. Porsche have approached the gradual electrification of its range in a very assured and confident manner. The Taycan was a relatively early introduction in the luxury electric saloon car market, however it remains one of the very best money can buy. At a time when most electric cars were cumbersome and felt awkward to drive, its ability to offer not just ‘regular’ car handling but one that felt like a ‘proper’ Porsche meant that the Taycan felt like a genuine part of their model range, without having to make excuses because it was electric. Following in its footsteps, the new Macan has also recently gone electric only and already promises to be one of the best all-electric SUV’s available.
Perhaps more importantly though for the time being, their current line up of performance hybrid vehicles are some of the most impressive cars on the market, and not just amongst other hybrids. For example, the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid could easily be the perfect car for any situation. Supercar fast, eco-friendly economy, sumptuous luxury, an abundance of technology and useful all-electric possibilities, it certainly showed promise for the new 911 before any details had even been released. A combined 680PS means 0-62mph takes just 3.2 seconds, the top speed is close to 200mph, yet it can manage a claimed 235mpg and can drive almost 60 miles on electric power alone at speeds of up to 87mph. Impressive indeed.
Going The Extra Mile, Quite Literally
Coinciding with the mid-life refresh and the introduction of the 992.2 second generation line up, the all-new hybrid Porsche 911 is stated by Porsche themselves as an ‘innovative performance hybrid that makes the 911 even more dynamic’. In fact, the first details officially released by the brand a few weeks ago stated that the expected GTS variant was almost 9 seconds quicker round the Nürburgring than the current model, which puts it just half a second behind the current 992 Turbo S. It certainly hasn’t lost any of its handling ability.
As you would expect, Porsche have gone the extra mile and during testing made sure the hybrid 911 works well in whatever situation it is presented with, not just how fast it is around a racetrack. From extensive extreme cold weather and punishing heat testing to high altitude mountain driving and how it copes with the busiest urban environments, more than 3-million miles of driving has ensured it is sure to remain the ultimate everyday performance car.
The Second Generation 992
At launch, Porsche have unveiled the new hybrid system in 911 Carrera GTS format only, with the revised base Carrera continuing to be combustion engine driven only, yet itself benefitting from the intercooler from the Turbo and the twin-turbochargers from the outgoing GTS. This means the range now starts with 394PS (388bhp) and a reduction in the 0-62mph time to 3.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono.
The new Carrera GTS configuration features a newly developed 3.6-litre boxer engine with a lightweight yet powerful T-Hybrid system. This uses an electric motor between the compressor and the turbine wheel to instantly bring the turbocharger up to speed and up to pressure. This not only eliminates ‘turbo-lag’ but produces a more dynamic and responsive power delivery from a more efficient single turbocharger, replacing the twin-turbocharger set up. Not only that, but a secondary electric motor is integrated into the more powerful PDK transmission, providing an additional torque boost of up to 150Nm even from idle speeds.
These two systems combined mean the Carrera GTS now produces 541PS (534bhp) and 610Nm of torque. It also means a reduction in emissions and a much improved standing start sprint time and mid gear acceleration, although Porsche are yet to confirm the actual figures just yet. Though judging by the claim that the car is just half a second slower around the Nürburgring than the impressive Turbo S, you can imagine it has made quite a difference indeed.
Porsche have utilised their extensive motorsport knowhow to ensure maximum impact without affecting the car’s handling characteristics or dynamic abilities. Using the compact T-Hybrid system and lightweight batteries rather than a conventional plug-in hybrid set up means that as well as the system being extremely compact, it is also much less heavy, with the whole car weighing just 50kg more than the previous model. Basically the weight of a very light passenger or an average Christmas food shop.
As well as the headline hybrid addition, the car also features an overhaul to the suspension set up with rear axle steering and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) anti-roll system integrated into the 400V architecture of the hybrid system. This, together with the variable dampers (PASM) and the 10mm lowered sports suspension means that the ride control is even more flexible and precise than the previous generation.
What Else Has Changed?
Externally, as well as new colours, new wheel designs and model specific bumpers, the all-new LED Matrix headlights are more advanced and carry all of the functions to emit the requirement for additional fog lights or separate indicators. The styling remains largely similar apart from the increased focus on providing additional cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. The airflow management features adaptive front diffusers and vertical cooling flaps which adjust depending on the levels of cooling required for the driving situation.
Inside the design may appear to look familiar, however, it is now a 2-seater as standard with the option for a 2+2 set up at no additional cost. There is also a starter button for the very first time in a 911 and also a fully digital instrument cluster, in a curve design much like the one found in the Taycan. The technology throughout has been upgraded in order to bring it bang up to date, with more integrated Apple CarPlay, video streaming capabilities when parked up and Spotify and Apple Music streaming functions built in to the car even without a smartphone connected.
The second generation of the 911 always manages to build on each models’ success and bring so much more than just a mid-life facelift. This time it has brought so much more than ever before with the hybrid capability, but even with the combustion engine only Carrera. The dynamic and technological upgrades will ensure that the 992 generation remains one of the very best sports cars on the market for many years to come, especially with growing competition from Mercedes Benz in the new SL and AMG 63, the new Aston Martin Vantage, the McLaren Artura and outgoing Audi R8.
Whether the Porsche 911 faithful will embrace the addition of hybrid technology to the iconic badge remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Porsche have given it their best shot by providing the benefits of electrical power to increase output without affecting the handling too much thanks to minimal weight gain. With the rest of the range yet to be announced it is difficult to determine how many other models are going to receive hybrid assistance, but one thing is for sure, a hybridised Turbo or Turbo S is going to offer quite a power increase. There’s even talk of the GT2 returning with over 800bhp.
Porsche Finance
At Oracle Car Finance we love a Porsche, that is why we are the official finance partner of Porsche Club GB. Not only that, but we also sourced finance for more Porsche 911’s than any other model of car last year and the year before, over 230 were funded in 2023 alone. In fact we sourced funding for more Porsche’s last year than ever before, it was our most popular sports car brand. If you are looking at purchasing your own Porsche 911 or any other Porsche model, our expert team have over 18 years’ experience in sourcing tailored car finance products. Whatever type of car you’re looking for, you can get in touch with us either by calling 0800 012 6666 or click here: Porsche Car Finance.
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