Test bench – Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid | Electricity for performance

In these troubled times, the sustainability of the 911 requires more realism than romanticism. So to its loyal, ever-anxious fans, Porsche assures that the hybrid engine that now powers the 911 does not denature it in any way. Quite the contrary.

The first real (r)evolution since water and not air cooled its flat engine, the 911 now embraces hybrid technology. This only incidentally seeks to flatter the ecological fiber of its clientele who, as one might expect, are more sensitive to pure performance than to major environmental commitments.

As its name suggests, this engine, which will appear in the brand's dealerships by the end of the year, is equipped with two engines working in harmony.

Technically, this Porsche does indeed appear to be a hybrid vehicle. Except that upon closer inspection, it appears to be a minimal, even subliminal, hybrid. The 40 kW of the electric motor integrated into the dual-clutch gearbox primarily promote performance. This engine is powered by a 1.9 kWh battery. This battery is housed in the front compartment of the vehicle and partially reduces the tank, which now stores 63 liters of gasoline. These refuel a “new” 3.6-liter flat-six (the bore and stroke of the 3-liter have been lengthened) boosted by a single turbocharger. Combined with the electric power, this engine displays a power of 532 horsepower and 449 pound-feet of torque. An electronic calculator distributes the contribution of each source according to the operating conditions in order to always obtain the best performance. On the energy front, the gains announced for the European market should be taken with a grain of salt. The Canadian authorities have still not published the results of their tests. One thing is certain, CO emissions₂ will remain well above 200 g/km and consumption should not fall below 11 L/100 km, unless you drive at a senator's pace.

The benefits of this engine are more easily measured in the area of ​​pure performance. Whether in the acceleration, recovery or top speed phases, this hybrid engine creates sparks and suddenly becomes the fastest of the 911s. And, pleasant surprise, it is not the most expensive to acquire.

Solid and straightforward, the engine of this Porsche accelerates briskly and pulls it out of corners with force. It never gives the impression of running out of breath, helped in this by a gearbox that juggles its eight gears with rare precision.

Keen to preserve the dynamic qualities of the 911, the designers of this model kept an eye on the weight, but also its distribution. The hybrid hardware resulted in a gain of about fifty kilos. However, the distribution remained intact. It was enough to relocate the 12-volt battery under the rear shelf by slimming down the fuel tank, which is still housed at the front.

A lowered chassis, larger tires at the rear and a four-wheel steering system make this 911 a formidable driving machine. Its well-weighted power steering allows it to negotiate curves with rare aplomb.

The price of progress

The conservatism of the 911 has always been only apparent. This is less true this time. The changes made to the front fascia mark a break with the past. The Porsche 911 no longer defies fashion. We are thinking in particular of these five movable fins in the lower part that disfigure the purity of the 911. And what is more, these could potentially prove fragile once winter comes.

Inside, we also regret the disappearance of the analog counters in favor of an electroluminescent panel or even a push button (still on the left) to start the engine. The 911 is moving into the 21st century^e century. There is also a wireless charger in the (air-conditioned) center console and new connectivity features. The 911 is now presented as a two-seater, but a 2 + 2 configuration is also offered at no extra charge. This is not the case for many accessories, as evidenced by the customization catalog for this model.

For now, only the GTS version is entitled to this hybrid mechanics. Others will certainly come in order to restore a little order to the finely calculated hierarchy of the 911 range.