Porsche has completed testing of its highly anticipated hybrid version of the 911, which is set to be revealed on May 28th. The German automaker has released official images of the electrified 911, along with the announcement that it achieved an impressive lap time of 7 minutes and 16.934 seconds at the Nürburgring. This lap time is 8.7 seconds faster than the corresponding version of the previous model, although Porsche did not specify which model it was referring to.
Comparatively, the current Porsche 911 Turbo S recorded a lap time of 7 minutes and 17.3 seconds in 2021, just half a second ahead of the new hybrid. While details about the hybrid system remain under wraps until the end of the month, Frank Moser, head of the 911 and 718 model lines, described it as an “innovative performance hybrid” system that enhances the car’s responsiveness and dynamics.
During testing, Porsche engineers and test drivers covered over three million miles behind the wheel of the prototypes. The new hybrid 911 will be launched as part of a mid-life facelift for the current generation, known as the ‘992.2’. This facelift will include exterior styling updates, interior refinements, and updated six-cylinder petrol engines. The hybrid variant is one of four new models that Porsche plans to launch in 2024, alongside the Panamera, Taycan, and electric Macan.
The most significant change in the new 911 is the adoption of a unique petrol-electric hybrid system. It combines a tuned version of Porsche’s turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a specially designed electric motor integrated into the front axle assembly. The petrol engine powers the rear wheels, while the electric motor drives the front wheels. The hybrid system also features a 48V integrated starter motor and a lightweight lithium-ion battery for energy storage.
Porsche has developed the hybrid drivetrain through a collaboration between its production car and motorsport divisions, along with Rimac, a Croatian electric drive specialist in which Porsche has a 45% stake. The company has not disclosed the output of the new hybrid system, but it is expected to offer different performance levels, including Turbo-E Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid models.
While a fully electric 911 is not currently planned, Porsche envisions the future of the iconic coupe and cabriolet models to involve electrified combustion engines combined with new e-fuel derivatives to achieve net-zero emissions. The updated 911, known as the 992.2, will feature enhanced cooling with distinctive air ducts, revised headlamps with integrated indicators, a restyled rear end with new brake lights, and subtle interior upgrades such as digital instrument graphics and an updated infotainment system.
The introduction of the hybrid 911 is part of Porsche’s commitment to sustainability and meeting stricter emissions standards. The German automaker aims to sustain the 911’s appeal until 2027, when a completely new ninth-generation model is expected to join the electrified Porsche lineup. Overall, the electrification of the iconic Porsche 911 represents a significant step forward in the brand’s journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.