The new Porsche 911: Electric for the first time – but only a little

So here it is, the new Porsche 911. There were heated discussions about the model beforehand, as it was supposed to be the first 911 with electric drive components. There was great fear that Porsche would finally stray too far from the original concept of the 911 – that of a real sports car suitable for everyday use.

At least with the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, customers have to make do with a new drive that uses electric motors in two places. This is not the case with the basic model. The top variant of the series will have a displacement of 3.6 liters and will use just one charger instead of a twin turbo. This will have an electric motor that sits between the compressor and turbine wheel. According to Porsche, this will enable the monoturbo to build up boost pressure without delay.

There is another electric motor in the Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK). This supports the boxer and enables a maximum torque of 150 Newton meters, which is available from idle. This means that there should be no turbo lag with this technology.

The Porsche 911 cannot be driven purely electrically

Both electric motors are connected to a small high-voltage battery, the dimensions of which, according to Porsche, are comparable to a 12-volt starter battery. It stores 1.9 kilowatt hours of energy and operates at a voltage of 400 volts. The battery weighs around 40 kilograms – additional weight that Porsche partially compensates for by switching to a lightweight lithium-ion starter battery, among other things. Overall, the new GTS is around 50 kilograms heavier than its predecessor.

This also makes it clear that the new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS cannot run on electricity alone – because it is not a typical hybrid vehicle. The electrical components support the combustion engine – nothing more. The total output of the GTS is now 541 hp. Porsche calls the drive concept “T-Hybrid”, but it is not explained. It probably stands for “Turbo-Hybrid”. The new technology is initially only found in the top model, with prices starting at 170,600 euros.

Those who opt for the cheaper 911 Carrera will still get a 3.0-liter boxer engine with biturbo charging. Porsche speaks of a comprehensive revision that leads to a total output of 394 hp. In numbers, this is less impressive: the 911 Carrera is 0.1 second faster to 100 and has an additional 1 km/h in terms of top speed.

Farewell to the analogue tachometer

A lot has changed in the interior – but not everything will please prospective buyers. Porsche is saying goodbye to analogue instruments and is now using a 12.6-inch display behind the steering wheel. Although this allows for significantly more customisation, it is a noticeable departure from a purist design language.

Porsche plans to deliver the first Carrera models from late summer, and the first GTS vehicles are expected to roll off the production line at the end of the year.