It was only a matter of time. The Porsche 911, which up until this point has proven immune to electrification, is set for a monumental overhaul in the coming months with rumours suggesting that the iconic flat-six-powered sportscar will soon boast a hybrid powertrain. While Porsche purists may already be recoiling in horror, the simple fact remains – hybrid powertrains are nothing new to the sportscar world. Ferrari and McLaren have already dabbled with plug-in hybrids and we should certainly not forget the 918 Spyder that was released (to some fanfare) a few years back.
The new rumours stem from recent prototype test shots of the vehicle in action, which appear to indicate Porsche’s intent for 2025. Based on the first glimpse shots, the German marque is keen to preserve its natural identity, whilst also embracing the new hybrid-electric era.
Speaking with US media at the recent Rennsport Reunion 7 event in California, Frank Moser, head of the 911 model ranges at Porsche, seemingly confirmed the new vehicle. The man in charge of the iconic sportscar lineup stopped short of revealing when the hybrid 911 would drop but did provide some valuable, if not slightly aloof, details.
“Now we are working on the next generation (992.2), which (arrives) about the middle of the decade,” Mr Moser told Motor Trend. “We have developed the hybrid, a performance hybrid of the 911, and that’s about in the middle of the decade – the next generation of the 992.”
By all accounts, the upcoming 911 992.2 update will have a different hybrid system to that of the 918 Spyder that will not allow you to charge it with a plug. Instead, this vehicle will need to be charged on the fly under regen braking along with playing supporting cast to the internal combustion engine.
Based on the LMP1 race car, the hybrid 911 will be an entirely new variant slotting itself within the myriad 911 family tree. Like many hybrids, this new 911 will have a small battery/electric motor and an integrated starter generator while this total system would be lightweight to not hamper the power-to-weight ratio.
While the initial specs are completely unknown at this stage, we do expect the hybrid 911 to have around 100 electric motor-fed horsepower over the power output of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre flat-six. Visually, the hybrid 911 will have a few styling tweaks to differentiate itself from its 911 sibling apart from a hybrid badge of course.
Elsewhere, the 911 will also see some significant changes with rumours of the punchier GTS version getting a naturally aspirated boxer powertrain along with the Turbo getting a more potent twin-turbo engine. We expect the 992.2 hybrid and the updated range to make its international debut within the next six months and it will be the first step towards electrification of Porsche’s crown jewel.
