The new hybrid Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 needs no introduction among enthusiasts and non-experts alike. The legendary sports car is now undergoing one of the biggest technical changes ever. The techies in Stuttgart have electrified the Neunelfer using hybrid technology.
New era
Throughout its history, the technology of the 911 has been thoroughly revamped many times before. In 1997, for instance, Porsche made the switch from an air-cooled to a water-cooled engine block, and the arrival of turbochargers, particulate filters and catalytic converters also took up development hours. The new hybrid 911, or T-Hybrid as Porsche calls it, marks a new era. But this does not mean the end of another era. The sports car will not always have electro assistance.
Turbo
For now, only the Porsche Carrera GTS features the T-Hybrid system. The powertrain then consists of a new 3.6-litre boxer engine that takes in oxygen through an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. This turbo has an electric motor between the compressor and the turbine wheel, making it spool up faster. Incidentally, that electro-turbo has another function. It also works as a generator and can feed back up to 11 kW of electrical energy. Remarkably, only one turbo is thus fitted. According to Porsche, this wastegate-less turbocharger actually improves response and dynamics.
Power
The turbo is not the only part of the new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS that gets help from an electric motor. The PDK transmission houses a synchronous motor. This provides 150 Nm of torque and 40 KW of power from idle. The electric motors of the Porsche 911 are coupled to a 1.9 kWh 12-volt battery pack. The hybrid system not only reduces CO2 emissions, but also has performance advantages. Incidentally, that improved performance is not just due to the use of electro assistance. The engine block has 0.6 litres more swept volume and has been further improved. As a result, the fuel engine delivers 5 hp more 485 PS. Nm of torque remains the same at 570.
Performance
Although the new GTS is 50 kilograms heavier than the outgoing model, it is faster on the Nürburgring, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and achieving a top speed of 312 km/h. System power is 541 hp and 610 Nm of torque. Power is always sent to all four will in the case of the Targa. For the coupé, you can also opt for rear-wheel drive.
Non-hybrid
Enough about the hybrid Porsche 911. After all, there is also just the 911 Carrera. That has the 3.0-litre boxer engine fitted with two turbos. That engine, too, has undergone a major overhaul. For instance, the rear-wheel-driver has the intercooler from the previous Turbo models, which is now located under the grille near the tailgate. The modification reduces emissions and increases power to 394 hp and 450 Nm of torque. From 0 to 100 km/h, the model now sprints in 4.1 seconds and the top speed is 294 km/h. If you opt for the with Sport Chrono Package, the sprint time is sold to 3.9 seconds. Like the GTS, the ‘normal’ Carrera always has a PDK.
The ‘Looks’
With all the technical changes, you would almost forget that the brand's design department also put some hours into the new 911. With the emphasis on ‘some hours’, because there are no major design changes. One thing you can easily recognise the new 911 by is the tailgate grille. This now has five slats on both sides, previously there were nine. The interior of the new Porsche 911 features two seats as standard. The 2+2 configuration can be ticked at no extra cost. An important change can be found behind the steering wheel. For the first time, the 911 does not have an old-fashioned odometer. This has been swapped for a 12.6-inch display. Furthermore, you will find a 10.9-inch screen in the centre and the brand stays true to a reasonable number of physical buttons.
Source: autovisie