The 992.2 adopts Porsche’s latest ”T-Hybrid” system that is truly unique in its class

Photos: Porsche Singapore

SINGAPORE

Great news! There is a new 911 in town. The Porsche 992.2 Carrera GTS is the first hybridised 911 to hit the roads. This step towards hybridisation might just be the thing that signals a potential shift towards greater acceptance of electric motors stuffed high-performance vehicles.

The latest GTS model features a more defined personality, boasting sharper lines and a more robust rear section. Unique to the car are revamped air inlets, incorporating five vertical, adaptive air intake flaps. These activate to optimise powertrain cooling during heavy and close on “normal days” to reduce drag and improve on fuel consumption.

The innovative T-Hybrid technology marries evocative engine sound with remarkable performance. The new 911 GTS is equipped with a redesigned 3.6-litre flat-six engine, but even more central to its improved performance is an innovative electric exhaust turbocharger; designed to deliver even more mental acceleration. The electric motor sits between the turbo’s compressor and turbine wheel, where it rapidly brings the turbocharger up to speed, to deliver optimum boost pressure. With the new system, Porsche has done away with the previous twin-turbo setup. Additionally, another motor integrated within the 992.2’s new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), delivers an extra boost of 150Nm and 54hp (40kW). With the new electrified architecture, the GTS delivers a system output of 534hp and 610Nm – a 60hp increase over the previous car.

To give you a contrast on its performance; in a straight-line, the 992.2 GTS (T-Hybrid) covers 21.5 metres in the same time it takes its predecessor to cover 14 metres. It goes on to reach 100km/h in 3 seconds, and goes on to top-out at 312km/h.

The T-Hybrid is powered by a lightweight and compact 400-volt traction battery. Over here, recuperated energy from regenerative braking is stored.

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All GTS models also receive Porsche’s rear-axle steering. This feature facilitates a smaller turn circle at low-speeds, while enhancing stability during high-speed drives.

On the inside, the new GTS boasts a new 12.65-inch curved digital display. Tradition here is retained via a digitised central rev counter, which sits proud in the middle, as part of the brand’s signature ‘five-tube’ dial design. However, Porsche breaks tradition with a new engine start stop button that replaces the engine start “key”. Interestingly, the new 911 coupe models now come standard as two-seaters, in a move to enhance sportiness and decrease weight. However, if you still prefer the car with +2 seats, they can be included at no extra charge.

Together with the release of the GTS, Porsche also announced the unveiling of the base 992 Carrera. The 992 Carrera features a revised 3.0-litre flat-six engine, featuring a pair of new turbos, once exclusive to the previous-gen GTS. It also incorporates an intercooler, taken from the turbo models, which are positioned directly beneath the rear lid grille, above the engine. With these upgrades, the 992 Carrera not only achieves reduced emissions but also better performance- now delivering 389hp and 450Nm, propelling the car to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds (3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package) from a standstill, while top speed is claimed at 294km/h.

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