DIALLED 911 (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

With added T-Hybrid tech, Porsche's 911 Carrera GTS might still mark the sweet spot in the 911 range. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 58

The 911 model line - 'neunelf' in German - has a lot of life in it yet and proof of that comes with the latest T-Hybrid version of this mid-level Carrera GTS model. With more focus than a base Carrera and just a taste of 911 Turbo, it might well be all the 911 you could ever need.

Backgroundword count: 156

The very idea of a hybrid Porsche 911 was enough to send shockwaves around the sports car community. Enthusiasts had visions of a two-tonne plug-in version of this iconic model - which then, arguably, wouldn't really be a 911 at all. What we got instead in the form of this car, the 911 GTS T-Hybrid, isn't that at all. The hybrid tech hasn't added undue weight; and though it aids efficiency, it's really all about performance. The introduction of this electrified 3.6-litre T-Hybrid unit is for now limited to the mid-level GTS model - the car that sits between the Carrera at the bottom end of the range (also upgraded but without electrification) and the GT3 and Turbo models at the top (which continue much as before). The Carrera and GTS models get a package of visual and cabin upgrades too, in what amounts to mid-term 992-series model facelift (known in the industry as the '992.2').

Engines and Tech Specword count: 255

Whereas the original 992-series 911 GTS offered a relatively modest upgrade in power over the Carrera series, it's pretty different with this T-Hybrid '992.2' model. Its output is now 541PS (61PS more than before and well up on the 394PS of the latest Carrera), with 62mph achievable in 3 seconds flat on the way to 194mph. Why you'd now still pay more for a 911 Turbo is difficult to fathom. As before, there's a choice of rear-driven or 4WD formats. All that speed now comes from a very different kind of engine. It still a boxer flat six (of course) but is now 3.6-litres in size (up from 3.0-litres) and now uses just a single turbocharger (rather than two). That's because the turbo is now aided by a 54PS electric motor energised by a 1.9kWh 216-cell 27kg battery. The end result is that everything is even more instant as the electric turbo spins at up to 120,000rpm. To the accompaniment of a rather pleasing selection of gurgles, whistles and wines. There are the usual drive modes and the engine is happy to rev out to 7,500rpm to the accompaniment of a satisfyingly loud sports exhaust flare in 'Sport Plus'. Four-wheel steering is now standard, as of course are PASM adaptive dampers (now revised). Plus the braking system's now borrowed from the 911 Turbo. The 400V hybrid tech energises all kinds of drive systems, including the starter, the alternator, the nose-lift set-up and an optional electrohydraulic roll-stabilisation PDCC set-up you'll probably want to pay extra for.

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