Porsche has unveiled a new version of its iconic 911 sports car, with the new Carrera GTS models boasting a motor racing-inspired hybrid system called T-Hybrid.
The T-Hybrid system combines several components to a newly developed 3.6-litre boxer engine. These include a single electric exhaust gas turbocharger which has an electric motor placed between the compressor and turbine wheel to immediately bring the turbo up to speed. It generates up to 11kW of power. The powertrain also includes an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK). It delivers extra drive torque of up to 150Nm and provides a power boost of up to 40kW. Porsche couples both electric motors to a 400V, 1.9kWh battery.
Porsche says the high-voltage system allows the air-conditioning compressor to be driven electrically and the belt drive to be omitted, making the engine more compact and creating space for the pulse inverter and DC-DC converter.
Without electrical assistance, the boxer engine delivers 357kW and 570Nm. In total, the system output is 398kW and 610Nm.
The suspension of the 911 Carrera GTS has been revised and rear-axle steering now comes as standard. Porsche has integrated the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) anti-roll stabilisation system into the high-voltage system. This enables the use of an electrohydraulic control system. The company says the sports suspension with a variable damper system (PASM) and a ride height lowered by 10 mm provide characteristic GTS handling.
The 911 Carrera GTS models roll on 21-inch wheels with a width of 11.5 inches and 315/30 ZR 21 tyres at the rear as standard. At the front are 245/35 ZR 20 tyres on 8.5-inch wide 20-inch wheels.
Together with the hybrid-powered GTS models – which will be available with all-wheel drive – Porsche is also launching a refreshed 911 Carrera, which will still feature the twin-turbocharged 3-litre boxer engine.
Styling updates for the new 911 are mostly aimed at improving aerodynamics and performance.
The front end has five active cooling air flaps visible from the outside and another hidden flap on each side. These are joined by adaptive front diffusers in the underbody. These elements direct the air flow to either optimise aerodynamics or for cooling by directing large amounts of air to the car’s radiators.
Sensors for the driver assistance systems are located behind a high-gloss surface below the number plate.
Model-specific exhaust systems are integrated into the diffuser fins, with a sports exhaust system available for the 911 Carrera models. The 911 Carrera GTS models come standard with a GTS-specific sports exhaust system.
In the cockpit, essential control elements have been arranged directly on or around the steering wheel. These include the standard driving mode switch, the revised driver assistance lever and, for the first time in the 911, a start button. In the centre console storage compartment, there is a cooled compartment for smartphones, with an inductive charging function.
For the first time, the 911 has a fully digital instrument cluster. There’s a 12.6-inch curved display for the new control and display concept. It offers up to seven views, including an exclusive Classic display inspired by the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer.
The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system is operated via a central 10.9-inch screen.
In Australia, Porsche says all new 911 models will be additionally fitted with the following features as standard:
• Tyre fit set
• Windscreen with Grey top tint
• Up to the Dreams exterior colour range
• Power steering Plus (No-Cost Option)
• Surround View with Active Parking Support
• Lane Change Assist
• Comfort Access
• BOSE Surround Sound System
• Digital radio
Select variants:
• 14-way Comfort seats with memory package (911 Carrera models only)
• Rear wiper as a No-Cost Option (911 Coupé models only)
• Adaptive cruise control (911 Carrera models only)
• Adaptive cruise control as a No-Cost Option (911 Carrera GTS models only)
The new 911 Carrera can be ordered now as a Coupé and Cabriolet with rear-wheel drive. For the 911 Carrera GTS, all-wheel drive and the Targa body variant (exclusively offered with all-wheel drive) are also available.
Pricing (RRP before on-roads):
• 911 Carrera Coupé starts at $280,500
• 911 Carrera Cabriolet starts at $303,800
• 911 Carrera GTS Coupé starts at $381,200
• 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé starts at $401,300
• 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet starts at $417,400
• 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet starts at $437,900
• 911 Targa 4 GTS starts at $437,900
• Optional aero kit package for the 911 Carrera GTS is $5,700
Deliveries for all models in Australia are expected during the first quarter of 2025.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2024)
17 June 2024