Porsche 911 Hybrid makes world premier with 541PS

It's been a long, long time coming but Porsche has saved an icon from complete electrification. The 911 is now a hybrid. The hybridisation is part of the seventh-generation 911's mid-cycle makeover, which also includes a new 3.6-litre flat-six engine, styling upgrades and a new interior.

Porsche 911 Hybrid: Powertrain

The Carrera GTS has a new 3.6-liter flat-six engine instead of the original 3.0-liter unit (which will remain in other 911 versions). On its own, this engine produces 485PS and 570Nm of torque. The hybrid technology allows Porsche to replace the dual turbo arrangement with a single electric turbocharger.

The 8-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox now includes an electric motor. So, the Porsche 911 is not your typical hybrid. It has a 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery and operates at a voltage of 400V. Porsche has also installed a lightweight lithium-ion battery for the 12 V on-board electrical system.

All of this means that the new drivetrain now produces 541PS and 610Nm of torque, allowing the car to complete the 0 to 100kmph race in 3 seconds flat. Hold your foot down on the gas pedal and you will touch 200kmph in 10.5 seconds. Top speed is rated at 312kmph.

The GTS versions will also receive a slew of handling enhancements to help them handle their greater power. The use of rear-axle steering has been added, and the company's Dynamic Chassis Control has been integrated with the car's high-voltage system, allowing it to use an electro-hydraulic control system, which Porsche claims allows for more precise and flexible control over the anti-roll stabilisation system.

With all of the hybrid tech, the 911 has become heavier, but only by 50kg, bringing the total weight to 1,500kg. However, in terms of genuine performance, the Porsche 911 GTS with the T-Hybrid arrangement lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife 8.7 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Porsche 911 Hybrid: Exterior and Interior

On the outside, the car gets a few upgrades but the overall silhouette has been left untouched. The 911 in this generation has a new headlamp cluster and, as with other facelifts, new bumpers. The rear end may look more aggressive due to the revised continuous LED taillights, which are deeper and broader. Customers may also choose HD matrix LED lights, which are touted to illuminate the road for more than 600 metres.

Inside, the Porsche 911 has a completely digital 12.6-inch curved display with up to seven perspectives, including a unique 'Classic' display inspired by the historic five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer. This new display is accompanied by a new driver assistance lever and engine starter button. The 911's centre console storage box now features an inductive smartphone charging within a cooled compartment.

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