Porsche 911 Goes Hybrid As New 992.2 Generation Breaks Hearts Globally
- by Ujjawal Agarwal
- May 28, 2024
- | Views: 521
The new hybrid-assisted 911 GTS has also broken performance and lap records set by the previous version, including a big improvement at the Nurburgring
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Porsche 911 992.2 generation breaks cover with a hybrid 911 GTS
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911 T-Hybrid is available with the GTS only for now
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Hybrid powertrain paired to a 3.6-litre straight-six turbocharged engine puts out 541PS/ 610Nm
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Exterior and interior get modest updates and more standard equipment
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Standard Carrera also updated, gets a more powerful twin-turbo 3-litre engine
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More hybrid 911 versions will follow
The Porsche 911 is an icon with a pedestal right at the front with all the automotive greats. 61 years of pure motoring joy; the epitome of a quintessential sports car; and a poster car for the future generations. But that was before the storm of carbon emissions came looming over this pure pursuit of driving excellence. Its competition, be it Mclaren or Ferrari, have already scurried to shelter but the clouds are now pouring over Stuttgart.
First it was feared, then it was expected, and now it’s happened - the new Porsche 911 has gone hybrid. Yes, the new Porsche 911 GTS has just broken cover and it gets a hybrid assist for its newly developed flat-six engine. The emotions are understandably high, but before you start lamenting too much, this change might just be for the better. Let’s put on our German hats and get into the details:
Hybrid for the win?
Whenever a manufacturer states “derived from the world of motorsport”, you know the car means business. This isn’t a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but a self-charging hybrid unit, that’s focussed for performance only. An electric motor has been integrated into the 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission that offers an extra 150 Nm of torque and a power boost too, aiding the performance of the 3.6-litre straight-six turbocharged engine.
There’s a second electric motor, this one integrated into the turbocharger, between the compressor and turbine wheel, that helps build up boost pressure immediately.
Combined, this Porsche T-Hybrid system puts out 541 PS/ 610 Nm in the 911 Carrera GTS guise, which is sent to the all the rear wheels. An all-wheel drive option is also available. That’s 61 PS more than the outgoing model. As a result of all the hybrid tech, it has gotten heavier, but only adds 50kgs to the flesh, taking the weight to a modest 1500kg. It’ll do speeds of up to 312kmph. But in terms of true performance standards, the new 911 GTS with the T-Hybrid setup was able to complete a lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife 8.7 seconds faster than its predecessor.
The standard Carrera models still use a combustion-only powertrain, which uses the same twin-turbo 3-litre engine, but it has been updated to put out 394PS and 450Nm.
Still a 911
Keeping up with the traditions of the 911 over the years, the 992.2, isn’t too far off from the 911 992.1 generation in terms of styling. Calling it an evolution would still be an overstatement, that’s how subtle the styling changes are.
You still get the signature circular headlights up front and a diving nose with a gaping airdam accentuating the width of its nose. But those headlights have new LED elements within it. Of course, there are design changes depending on the variant, like the five vertically arranged active cooling air flaps on either side of the front bumper for the Carrera GTS.
There aren’t any changes in profile. It retains the 911 silhouette and gets multiple alloy options ranging from 19- to 21-inch units, now wider in the GTS for better dynamics. The rear too is immediately recognisable as a 911 with the same slim connected light bar that was introduced with the 992 generation. The dual exhaust tips, instead of flanking the bumper, are positioned near the centre like in a usual Carrera.
You can dial the sporty quotient up a few notches by opting for the optional aero kit, which adds front spoiler, a side sill panel, and a fixed rear wing. But if you like your designs clean, you’re better off without it. Or if you really want those things, probably best for the new versions of the 911 GT variants.
Sporty yet livable
The 911 is said to be one of the few sports/super cars that’s actually usable as a daily driver. That quality is also an extension of how ergonomic and human-friendly the cabin was, and it seems like it still is. Changes are minimal here too, with a very similar dashboard design. But it does get a new 12.6-inch digital driver’s display complemented by the central 10.9-inch touchscreen. Users will be able to access Spotify and Apple Music directly via this screen, without having to connect their phones.
Sure, the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer will be missed. But you can actually replicate a similar display via the seven views offered inside this curved display.
The two-seater version is standard, while the 2+2 seating option will be offered as a no extra option globally. The signature three-spoke steering wheel now gets the mode switch button (derived from GT models) as standard.
You still get plenty of physical knobs and dials in the chunky central console, along with a cooled charging compartment for your phone.
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Both the new 911 Carrera ( (as both coupe and Cabriolet) and Carrera GTS are available to order in global markets. It is possible that the new 911 makes its way to India sometime either in late 2024 or early 2025. Following the hybridisation of the 911, the smaller 718 too will face the electrification treatment soon, making the whole Porsche lineup induced with some kind of electrification or the other.
While the T-Hybrid powertrain has been implemented on the GTS only, it does dawn the new 992.2 generation, and more versions of the hybrid 911 are likely to follow soon. When launched in India, it is likely to carry a premium over the current 911 Carrera, which is priced from Rs 1.86 crore (ex-showroom) onwards . In its faster variants, it’ll rival the Ferrari 296 GTB and the Mclaren Artura.