Yep, a Porsche 911 hybrid. Porsche has been caught in the act, testing an electrified version of the upcoming 2025 ’992.2’ 911 out on the Nurburgring in prototype form.
We know this prototype features electrified technology due to the warning stickers on the vehicle. These are basically there so emergency crew know the vehicle features high-voltage battery tech, in the event of an accident.
Porsche originally mentioned the idea of a hybrid 911 back in 2018, when it previewed the current-gen 992 series. Porsche’s 992 model line director August Achleitner said a hybrid “could be an option somewhere down the line”.
We spotted this prototype example out on the Nurburgring recently, wearing a number of new features. One of the big changes is the new rear diffuser element. Although this is just a prototype and further changes are likely before production, the protruding diffuser and centrally-mounted exhausts are an interesting touch.
The alloy wheels are also new and seem to borrow a bit from Mercedes-Benz’s latest range, with a thick outer wall providing a cool aero look. Again, these wheels might be there for testing purposes only and might not reach showrooms – although, we hope they do.
At the back of the car you might notice a strange socket-looking thing on the corner. Our camera couldn’t pick up the full detail but could this be a charge plug with no flap so engineers can easily recharge between laps around the Nurburgring?
Specifications and finer details are hard to come by, with some speculations suggesting Porsche will not do a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the 911, mainly due to the added weight. A hybrid generally means a combustion engine does the majority of the work with a smallish battery and electric motor assist system.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) usually entails a larger battery and electric motor, at least large enough to provide proper electric-only driving for a range of 20km and above. With a bigger battery means bigger weight, which is not something the 911 has traditionally been friends with.
Power will likely come from the existing – albeit tuned differently for 2024 – 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine. There has been talk of the hybrid being based on the 911 Turbo flagship, potentially wearing the badge ‘911 Turbo S E-Hybrid’. Reports suggest it could be the most powerful 911 ever, generating around 700hp (522kW) or more.
By the looks of this prototype though, the hybrid system is likely paired with the Carrera’s 3.0-litre unit. According to an Autocar report, the electric motor will be mounted to the transmission and act more like a mild-hybrid booster rather than provide stand-alone power or a full electric mode.
Either way, it’s understood Porsche is aiming for performance increases as a primary focus with a minimal cost in weight. Total power output will reportedly reach around 520kW (700hp) in initial form, potentially as a 911 Turbo or GT2, while similar technology is set to trickle down to regular 911 variants a bit further down the track. Market entry isn’t likely until at least 2025.
