Porsche Unveils The First Hybrid 911 Hypercar For Eco-Loving James Bonds
By Mikelle Leow, 29 May 2024
Image via Porsche
Porsche is shifting gears into a new era with the unveiling of its first hybrid 911, marking a milestone in the 61-year legacy of this iconic model. The 2025 Carrera GTS, equipped with a performance-focused hybrid drive, represents a pivotal moment for the German automaker as it balances performance with the industry’s push toward electrification.
Frank Moser, vice president of Model Line 911 and 718, shared his enthusiasm for this innovation, noting, “For the first time in our icon’s 61-year history, we are installing a hybrid drive system in a roadgoing 911. This innovative performance hybrid makes the 911 even more dynamic.”
The development process was nothing short of rigorous. The carmaker tested the new 911 under diverse conditions worldwide, from frigid cold to blistering heat. The final stages of testing in Dubai ensured that the car could handle extreme climates.
Image via Porsche
Engineers and test drivers covered over five million kilometers, ensuring the hybrid system’s reliability across various environments, from demanding mountain passes to urban stop-and-go traffic.
This eagerly awaited addition to the 911 lineup combines the car’s signature twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine with an electric motor and an innovative electric turbocharger. This powerful mix delivers 532 horsepower and 449 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds—an impressive jump from its non-hybrid predecessor.
Porsche’s engineers have integrated the hybrid system to preserve the 911’s renowned balance and handling. The electric motor is placed between the engine and transmission, while the high-voltage battery pack is positioned beneath the cargo floor. This setup maintains the car’s low center of gravity, ensuring it retains its agile performance.
Image via Porsche
The car’s performance on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a benchmark in the automotive world, was notable. Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister clocked a lap time of 7:16.934 minutes, 8.7 seconds faster than the previous GTS model. The test car was equipped with standard road tires and an aero kit with a fixed rear wing to enhance downforce at high speeds.
Priced at US$164,900, the 911 Carrera GTS, with its hybrid powertrain, ushers the iconic Bond vehicle into a new age. While a fully electric 911 isn’t on the horizon yet, this model sets the stage for a pump-up of electric technologies in future Porsches.
[via Motor1 and NBC New York, images via Porsche]