Friday, September 20, 2024

Iconic sports car gets electrified! ‘992.2’ 2025 Porsche 911 GTS hybrid car prioritises performance over efficiency as it takes on Mercedes-AMG GT and Chevrolet Corvette – Car News

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Porsche has detailed the first two variants in its 2025 ‘992.2’ 911 sports car with a new hybrid powertrain as the headline act. 

Far from a sanitised eco car, the 911 Carrera GTS is a rear-drive two door with a 398kW flat six, a 0-100km/h time of 3.0 seconds and 312km/h top speed. 

Along with the non-hybrid 911 Carrera, the Carrera GTS hybrid will hit Australian dealerships in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing starts at $280,500 for the Carrera and $381,200 for hybrid GTS, both before on-road costs. 

Visually, the new Porsche 992.2 911’s tweaks are minor. There is a new front bumper design with broader intakes that features five vertical slates. Though the headlights retain the familiar four-dot graphic, Matrix LEDs are standard with Matrix HD tech optional. 

At the rear, the Mercedes-AMG GT and Chevrolet Corvette rival gets a new light strip with a ‘PORSCHE’ logo. A higher rear number plate placement and a re-profiled bumper help tell you it’s the new one, while each model can be distinguished by specific exhaust garnishes integrated into the diffuser. 

An optional aero kit with aggressive front bumper, side sills and fixed rear wing (rather than the standard deployable item) is offered for $5700. 

Making the GTS a hybrid wasn’t a simple affair. Porsche took the 3.0-litre straight six and increased the bore and stroke (to 97mm and 81mm, respectively), boosting its displacement to 3.6 litres. 

Carrera GTS loses a turbo but gains punch.

Then, the Stuttgart carmaker removed one of the turbos, fitting a new one powered by the 400-volt electrical system to eliminate lag (therefore the need for a second, smaller turbine) and mounted a 40kW/150Nm electric motor to the carryover eight-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

The result is 398kW and 610Nm, enough to cut the Carrera 4 GTS’s 0-100km/h sprint by half a second. It can also travel under electric power at low speed, while the 1.9kWh battery is said to be the same size and weight as a regular 12-volt accessory battery. 

The new Carrera GTS hybrid is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive guise. 

Further helping offset the hybrid system’s bulk in an electric HVAC system that does away with clunky belt drive in the engine bay. Porsche has not confirmed ADR fuel consumption figures for the 911 hybrid.

Hybrid works for 911, says Porsche top brass.

“We developed and tested a wide variety of ideas and approaches to arrive at the hybrid system that would suit the 911 perfectly. The result is a unique drive that fits into the overall concept of the 911 and significantly enhances its performance,” says Frank Moser, Vice President Model Lines 911 and 718.

Also new for the GTS is standard rear-axle steering, while the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and active roll stabilisation is now powered by the higher voltage electronics  for more ‘flexible and precise’ functionality. 

As before, the GTS is fitted with sports suspension and PASM for a 10mm lower ride height than Carrera. A pair 21-inch alloys wear 315mm wide tyres at the back, while up front are 20–inch items shod in 245mm wide rubber.  

Base Carrera keeps non-hybrid ‘six.

The base Carrera retains its 3.0-litre flat six with twin turbos. A bigger intercooler from the 911 Turbo and two turbos from the current GTS ups outputs by a small 7kW to 290kW. That means 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds (3.9 with Sport Chrono), or a tenth faster than before. 

Inside, the 911 coupe remains a 2+2 in Australia though in Europe it is two-seat only. The GTS is available in closed-top coupe, Targa or full Cabriolet body styles. 

The cabin has been rearranged with controls, including the drive mode switch and engine start button, now on the beautiful three-spoke steering wheel.

A fully digital instrument cluster is a first, with info displayed on a curved 12.6-inch screen reminiscent of the new Macan. There are seven views, including classic five-tube dial imitation. 

A cooled compartment houses the wireless charging pad. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard with easier set-up via a QR code. The 10.9-inch screen gets updated software that allows you to directly download apps, including Spotify and Apple Music. 

The latest 911 release finishes Porsche’s product launches for the year. “Our product portfolio is younger than ever and highly attractive,” said Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. “It offers our customers even more customisation options and exclusive experiences.”

Typically Porsche will offer a huge array of options – up to seven different wheel designs for a start. Headline standard features include a Bose premium sound system, digital radio, adaptive cruise control and 14-way power adjust ‘Comfort’ seats for the Carrera. 

Steering wheel remains a 911 high point.

Porsche has yet to announce the full 911 model range. Right now, we are awaiting information on the new Carrera S, Turbo, Turbo S and a follow up to the bonkers 911 GT3.

Australian arrivals will begin in the first quarter (January-March inclusive) of next year with all models featuring an eight-speed PDK automatic initially. 

2025 Porsche 911 pricing

All prices are before on-road costs

Variant Price
911 Carrera coupe $280,500
911 Carrera convertible $303,800
911 Carrera GTS coupe $381,200
911 Carrera 4 GTS coupe $401,300
911 Carrera GTS convertible $417,400
911 Carrera 4 GTS convertible $437,900
911 Carrera 4 GTS Targa $437,900

 

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