Not since Porsche transitioned from air-cooled to water-cooled engines with the 996-generation 911 in 1999 has there been a change as controversial as the hybridization of the 911. Despite the potential uproar from traditionalists, the reality is that owners with the means are likely to embrace this 21st-century technology. Remarkably, if Porsche didn’t disclose that the updated 992.2 is a hybrid, drivers wouldn’t be able to tell from its performance alone.
Powertrain and Performance
The 992.2 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six engine paired with an electrified turbocharger and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox with an integral electric motor. This configuration, limited to the GTS model for now, produces a combined output of 532 horsepower, an increase of 59 hp over the outgoing GTS.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L flat-six with electrified turbocharger |
| Electric Motor | Integrated in gearbox |
| Combined Output | 532 hp, 449 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Battery | 1.5-kWh 400-volt lithium-ion |
Despite adding 103 pounds due to the new battery and hybrid components, the engine itself is 40 pounds lighter thanks to the elimination of accessory drives (e.g., A/C, alternator) and moving these functions to electric systems or integrating them within the engine. This balance of weight and power ensures the new GTS maintains a favorable power-to-weight ratio. Porsche claims the last 911 GTS reached 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, so it’s reasonable to expect the new model to meet or exceed this performance.
Design and Aerodynamics
The 992.2 retains the classic 911 silhouette but introduces new bumpers and aggressively styled active shutters at the front, reducing the coefficient of drag to 0.29 Cd. European models achieve an even lower 0.27 Cd due to an Eco mode that partially deploys the spoiler, a feature not compliant with U.S. CHMSL regulations.
Exterior Changes:
- New Bumpers: Updated design for improved aerodynamics.
- Active Shutters: Enhance airflow and reduce drag.
- Spoiler: Partially deployable in Eco mode (Europe only).
Interior and Instrumentation
Porsche has replaced the traditional ignition switch with a button, a change that has caused some consternation among enthusiasts. More significantly, the fully digital instrument cluster replaces the mechanical tachometer. While the outgoing model’s mechanical tach was central, complaints about obstructed gauges led to this change. The new digital cluster offers seven different views, including a classic five-gauge setup and a track-focused mode with a centrally clocked tachometer.
Interior Features:
- Ignition: Push-button start replaces traditional switch.
- Instrument Cluster: Fully digital with multiple display modes.
Driving Experience
Comparisons to the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray are inevitable, but the two hybrids behave quite differently. The GTS maintains a conventional all-wheel-drive system with a driveshaft to the front, unlike the E-Ray’s electric front axle. The GTS also cannot operate on electric power alone, unlike its Corvette counterpart.
Driving Dynamics:
- All-Wheel Drive: Conventional system with driveshaft.
- Electric Assistance: Motor aids turbocharger for instantaneous boost.
The hybrid system operates seamlessly, enhancing performance without detracting from the 911’s renowned driving dynamics. Summoning all the thrust reveals the motor’s instant torque contribution and the turbocharger’s rapid pressure build-up. While a central touchscreen display shows the energy flow and hybrid system status, the driving experience encourages ignoring screens and focusing on the road.
Model Variants and Pricing
The GTS is available in coupe, Cabriolet, and Targa body styles, with rear- or all-wheel drive. Purists seeking the ultimate driving experience might prefer the two-wheel-drive variants for their lighter steering and enhanced feedback.
Pricing:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Carrera GTS | $166,895 |
| Carrera 4 GTS | $174,695 |
| Carrera GTS Cabriolet | $180,195 |
| Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet | $187,995 |
| Targa 4 GTS | $187,995 |
Technical Specifications
| Dimensions | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 96.5 in |
| Length | 179.3 in |
| Width | 72.9 in |
| Height | 50.9–51.3 in |
| Trunk Volume | 5 ft³ |
| Curb Weight (est) | 3550–3850 lb |
| Performance (est) | Details |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 2.5–2.8 sec |
| 0-100 mph | 6.4–6.7 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 10.6–10.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 194 mph |
The hybrid 992.2 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS marks a significant evolution in the 911 lineage, blending modern hybrid technology with the timeless driving dynamics Porsche is known for. While the purists might lament the loss of certain traditional elements, the new GTS demonstrates that hybridization can enhance performance without compromising the core attributes that make a 911 a 911. With its cutting-edge powertrain, refined aerodynamics, and versatile body styles, the GTS stands ready to lead the charge into a new era of high-performance sports cars.
