New Porsche 911 facelift debuts with hybrid gts and improved base model

Let's start with the basics—the base 911. In terms of the drivetrain, no revolution has been made—the base is still a 3-liter, twin-turbocharged boxer, but the unit has received an intercooler from the Turbo variants, while the turbochargers themselves have been borrowed from the previous GTS.

Thanks to this, power has increased by 9 hp to 394 hp. The torque of 450 Nm remains unchanged. The base 911 accelerates 0.1 seconds faster to 100 km/h (in 4.1 or 3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package) and reaches 183 mph (1 mph more than before).

Changes have also been made in other areas. The body has been optimized for aerodynamics, aided by new bumpers. The wheels can now be equipped with carbon fiber panels, reducing air resistance. New headlights with a four-point signature eliminate additional lighting modules and enlarge the cooling openings.

The rear section has also been slightly improved—the bumper has a smoother structure, the grille above the engine lid has five instead of nine fins per side, and the license plate is higher. A bit more has happened inside, which has unfortunately been entirely digitized. This means saying goodbye to the stylish, analog tachometer.

Behind the wheel, there are now fully digital gauges with a 12.6-inch display. It's a pity because this element and the physically turned "key" constituted a wonderfully tradition-inspired feature. Unfortunately, Porsche has fully succumbed to digital trends—the key mentioned has also disappeared, replaced by a soulless button. The consolation is that it is still on the left side of the column.

The command center still has a 10.9-inch multimedia screen, but the system has improved performance and speed. The integration of the Apple CarPlay interface with the car has been deepened, and video streaming is also possible while stationary.

How much will it cost? The price increase compared to the previous model will not surprise anyone. The base 911 will cost about $7,000 more—the price starts at $154,000. But let's move on to what's most important.

So far, the GTS has appeared as the puristicest among the "regular" 911s. The model opens a new chapter as the first 911 equipped with a hybrid drive system. However, specialists from Zuffenhausen assure that the car is still 100 percent performance-oriented, as evidenced by the fact that there is no mode where the wheels are driven solely by the electric unit. It only serves as an efficient assist.

The basis of the drive is the new 3.6-liter engine, which has a larger bore and a more significant stroke. Unfortunately, rumors of a naturally aspirated unit turned out to be (at least in this case) unfounded, as it is powered by a newly developed turbocharger driven by a 15 hp electric motor, which also functions as an alternator. This solution ensures immediate "boost" and greater responsiveness. The combustion engine generates 485 hp and 570 Nm, 5 hp more than in the previous GTS.

The T-Hybrid system is complemented by a synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets with 54 hp and a torque of 150 Nm, which is integrated with the new 8-speed PDK transmission and draws energy from a 0.5 kWh battery. The total output of the new 911 GTS is 541 hp and 610 Nm. Notably, Porsche has made every effort to ensure the new drive is as light as possible. The result? The model is only 110 lbs heavier than its predecessor.

Additionally, the GTS standard equipment now includes a rear-wheel steering system and the PDCC roll stabilization system, which has been integrated with the hybrid system's high-voltage installation. Traditionally, there is also an adaptive sports suspension with a clearance reduced by 0.4 inches.

Interested in the new GTS? You must be prepared for a greater price difference than the base 911. This model has increased by around $18,000 and starts at $205,000. For now, these are the only available variants in the refreshed 911. We will probably learn about the others in the coming months.