BondJ

From this month’s CAR (uk). Make of it what you will…

“There’s a lot we don’t know about the 992.2-generation Porsche 911 that's due to arrive in less than a year. But the thing we do know for sure is the most significant: that it will have a new engine line-up including, for the first time on a 911, a hybrid.

Key new arrival is a turbocharged mild-hybrid unit (T-HEV). It’s ‘self-charging’ – that is, the battery gets charged by the engine and brake regen, not by being plugged in. The e-motor is capable of generating an extra 80bhp or more, fed by a high-performance Varta battery thought to be 2kWh in capacity.

Inspired by the KERS technology used in F1, the software for the fast-charging 400-volt system was, we hear, co-developed by Porsche and Rimac. The T-HEV system fuses two electrical elements. According to a supplier, the integrated starter generator (ISG) creates an on-demand instant boost effect and drives the auxiliary equipment. The actual e-motor positioned under the fuel tank propels the front wheels and improves the weight distribution.

THE BEAT

The tiny battery which powers the compact electric drive unit is charged by the combustion engine and the brakes. For complexity reasons, a manual gearbox is not an option, sources say. The complete T-HEV module is claimed to weigh no more than 25kg.

GOES ON

The base engine is apparently a modified 3.0-litre 2TCI (twin- turbo) six rated at 390bhp and 346lb ft. Assuming the e-motor contributes about 85bhp and 130lb ft to the action, the combined output should be in the area of 475bhp and 477lb ft. Performance- wise, the 911 T-HEV would thus rank between the 911 GTS and the Turbo. It’s been reported that the top-of-the-line 800bhp-plus GT2 RS due in 2026 will also take the T-HEV approach.

The 911’s 2024 facelift brings hybrid power to the 60-year-old icon

Expect the 2024-25 GT3 and GT3 Touring to stick with a 4.0-litre flat-six, but with output increased from 503 to around 521bhp. But then, after a maximum of 1500 cars are built, the 2026 GT3 will switch to a more efficient mild-hybrid naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre engine with identical outputs.

Carrera S models are set to go up from 444bhp to 454bhp and from 391lb ft to 406lb ft. The GTS is expected to increase in capacity from 3.0 to 3.6 litres, gaining 10bhp as peak output increases to 483bhp. That 3.6-litre engine could also replace the 3.8 used in Turbo and Turbo S models.

It’s not only the engines that change with the arrival of 992.2. While the sheet metal remains largely unaltered, almost all soft parts like bumpers, wheels, lights, mirrors and aero aids are new. The eye-catching redesigned lower front air intake is flanked by five adjustable vertical louvres which can channel more cooling air to the radiators and the brakes when required. The lower lip extends on certain versions to increase the downforce at high speed.

As always, there are various model-specific front and rear bumper variations to choose from. While the Turbo and Turbo S feature two pairs of tailpipes which differ in style, lesser models have centre or side-mounted single or dual exhausts with chromed or black tips. Rear wings will range from a small motorised deflector to the extra- tall wing of the RS. We also expect minor changes to the split rear air intakes. Last but not least, there are redesigned five-dot headlights on the way complemented by new-look tail lights and indicators. The Porsche lettering in the centre is lit at night.

Inside, there is a new fully electronic instrument panel which depicts five partly overlapping round instruments, with the no- longer-analogue revcounter and the digital speedometer positioned right in front of the driver, showing where Porsche’s priorities remain focused.”

detansinn

Not particularly credible. You aren’t going to make any more power out of the GT3 without an increase in displacement.

It’s more likely that the regular GT3 goes to 4.2 liters, ie same engine as the Rennsport car.

malba2366

I think the article is saying that the GT3 will be a 3.6L Hybrid, and the GTS will have that engine as well. They also claim that the base will have the hybrid, but most other rumors suggest the base model will not be hybridized.

LeForte 1

Hybrid power...thanks, EU. I'll pass.

drcollie

All I see is a new wave of battery issues as early 992.2 adopters will be the Beta Testers. I have little confidence in the battery management issues from Porsche as proven out by the Li-Io batteries in the RWS cars on the current series. .

Mercedes has effectively ruined their new SL series with constant and nagging battery issues, so much so owners are bailing on them and getting something more reliable. SL63's with 1,000 miles on them are for sale at - $ 50K off MSRP.

Izzone

I think the current engine w hybrid to help overcome the lag will be wonderful

Ferrari has it, ive driven it its really good

Look at the reviews onthe amg c63

ipse dixit

The 918 is fine. As was the GT3 R Hybrid (2010).

This is not new tech for Porsche.

The RWS and Li-ion battery issue is simply a battery issue. Not a hybrid drivetrain issue.

Deep breath. Everything will be fine.

911s did not start falling apart when we went from air to water cooling.

drcollie

"911s did not start falling apart when we went from air to water cooling."

LOL, well ... they kind of did. IMS bearings.........

LeForte 1

Uh, child's play compared to what they are foisting on buyers in the near future.

malba2366

All the rumors point to there being one 911 model that has a very powerful hybrid system like the other cars you mention, The "mainstream" 911 S/GTS will not be those models.

nyca

Brake regen? No way, that adds a lot of weight. I don't believe it will have that. And the S is only going to gain 10hp? That means the electric motor is small and doesn't need regen brakes to keep it topped up.

Schn3ll

But but but, Honda insight had a manual with its earth shattering 92hp so Porsche could do a manual.

I have said it before but do not expect compatibility of a hybrid powertrain and a manual in the new 992.2. Auto only.

Hold onto those manual cars.

WCE

A lot of this is contrary to other rumors, so here's my guess: ALL 992.2's get the mild hybrid electric motor integrated into the transmission (PDK and manual).
This gives them a significant power and slight economy boost throughout the line so even the base model owners will want to trade up!
The separate front motor (which sounds like the corvette e-ray hybrid) will be a new model released later so early 992.2 buyers will want to trade up again!
Remember Porsche is primarily a marketing machine

gymdent

My thoughts are that no one from any source has fully accurate information other than some model(s) will be hybrid. That said, it would seem most likely to start at the top of the turbo food chain with the Turbo and Turbo S. But what do I know other than we need to chill and see what happens in a few months.

Schn3ll

What other rumors? That guess would be way off base and not aligned with anything we’ve seen and know.

We know that the current 8 speed PDK already has provisions to accommodate an electric assist (whatever that might look like). We know the current 7 speed manual does not. So that means they would potentially need to develop an all new transmission. And manuals require a second set of crash tests (separate from PDK) at least in the US.

We know that the take rate for manuals is getting lesser and lesser each year and in some markets (including Porsche’s largest - China) manuals are not even offered. It is worth noting that none of the 992.2 mules spotted have been manual.

Porsche’s main competitors do not offer a manual, so prospective buyers won’t leave the Porsche brand for a manual elsewhere.

I develop consumer goods, and even if I was dead set on keeping a manual - there is no way I could convince the board who approves development of a new transmission with all that I laid out.

Do not get your hopes up.

If they keep the manuals. It’s on the current motor in lower trims with hotter tune vs 992.1 and the GT cars.