It’s hard to believe the Porsche 911 992 is already four years old. Fortunately, the 992’s mid-life facelift involves more than just lip filler — welcoming a hybrid powertrain and some tantalising performance figures to go with it.
Hot off the unveiling of the all-electric Macan, Porsche now introduces a fundamental change to its iconic 911. Ahead of their arrival in 2025, the German marque has confirmed updates to the 911 Carrera Coupe, Carrera Cabriolet, Carrera GTS and Carrera GTS 4 Coupe and Cabriolet, as well as the Targa 4 GTS.
RELATED: Driving The Porsche 911 Dakar In The Aussie Bush
The 992.2 911 Carrera and Cabriolet receive a lightly modified 3.0-litre twin-turbo boxer engine offering more power than its predecessor with a refreshed design, better aerodynamics, revamped interior, upgraded standard equipment, and expanded connectivity.
The most notable upgrade is the adoption of the intercooler from the Turbo models — previously reserved for the GTS models in the preceding 992 vehicles — achieving a power boost to 290 kW (394 PS), along with a maximum torque of 450 Nm.Â
The real change can be seen with the GTS variant, where the brand introduces the “Turbo Hybrid” or “T-Hybrid” system; boasting a new electric exhaust gas turbocharger, complementing a newly developed, more compact, 3.6-litre mono-turbo boxer engine, and PDK gearbox with an electric motor.
As stated by Porsche’s Frank Moser: “The electric turbocharger has an electric motor between the compressor and turbine wheel. This electric motor ensures an immediate build-up of boost pressure, regardless of the engine speed and load, providing significantly optimised acceleration performance, even at low engine speeds and low loads.”
The T-Hybrid powertrain offers 398kW of output, up 45kW on the current model, and propels the GTS from 0-100 in a rapid 3.0 secs with a top speed of 312 km/h. Around the Nurburgring, those numbers — combined with chassis developments — translated to a lap time that shaved 8.7 seconds off the current model GTS.
For the first time in 911 history, vertically arranged, active cooling flaps complement adaptive front diffusers in the underbody, which are controlled together with the cooling air flaps. Also a first in the 992.2 is a fully digital instrument cluster, with a 12.6-inch customisable curved display.
PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) also works more precisely in the new GTS, now integrated into the 400-volt battery. The rear wheels have been widened and tyres wrap a newly designed, centre locking rim, while rear-wheel steering arrives standard.
Porsche’s first hybrid car — the Cayenne S Hybrid — came off the production line in 2010, so it’s safe to say they haven’t rushed the (controversial) hybrid 911. And if you’re technically inclined, I highly recommend reading further into the fascinating engineering. Fortunately, purists can now relax knowing the much-loved combustion powerplant remains and, in true Porsche fashion, the hybrid integration is simply a means to more efficient and effective performance.
RELATED: The Ineos Fusilier Is The Sexiest Electric Off-Roader Yet
The new Porsche 911 Carrera can now be ordered as a Coupé and Cabriolet with rear-wheel drive. For the 911 Carrera GTS, all-wheel drive and the Targa body variant (exclusively offered with all-wheel drive) are also available. Both model variants are equipped with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) as standard.
Deliveries for all models in Australia are expected during Q1 2025, priced (before on-roads) as follows:
- 911 Carrera Coupé starts at $280,500
- 911 Carrera Cabriolet starts at $303,800
- 911 Carrera GTS Coupé starts at $381,200
- 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé starts at $401,300
- 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet starts at $417,400
- 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet starts at $437,900
- 911 Targa 4 GTS starts at $437,900
