Porsche is poised to mark a significant milestone in the illustrious history of the 911 on May 28th as it unveils the first-ever road-ready hybrid variant of the iconic sports car, catapulting it firmly into the modern age.
The eagerly anticipated debut follows over two years of anticipation since the prototype of the 911 hybrid first graced the automotive scene. With the development now concluded, Porsche proudly announces an impressive achievement of covering 3.1 million miles during testing, including rigorous trials at the demanding Nürburgring circuit. A noteworthy revelation from Porsche hints at a substantial leap in performance, as the hybrid 911 clocks a blistering time of 7 minutes, 16.9 seconds around the Nordschleife loop – a remarkable 8.7 seconds quicker than its predecessor.
Delving into the details, a quick analysis suggests that the hybrid variant could be linked to the 992-generation Carrera S, given its comparable lap time of 7:25.6. Although official badging remains under wraps, observations from shared images indicate a design that leans towards a more understated demeanor, possibly aligning with the characteristics of the Carrera S.
Frank Moser, the Vice President for the 911 and 718 at Porsche, expresses the significance of this evolutionary step, stating, “For the first time in our icon’s 61-year history, we are installing a hybrid drive system in a roadgoing 911.” Moser underscores the innovative prowess of the hybrid setup, promising enhanced dynamism while reaffirming Porsche’s meticulous approach to testing, which encompassed diverse conditions worldwide, from freezing climates to the scorching heat of Dubai’s final testing stages.
Although specifics of the hybrid powertrain remain shrouded in secrecy, Porsche reassures enthusiasts that the focus lies on bolstering performance rather than solely prioritizing efficiency. Notably, the hybrid system is confirmed to eschew the plug-in configuration, promising uncompromised agility and corner-carving prowess, evident in its stellar Nürburgring lap time.
All eyes are now eagerly set on May 28th, as Porsche prepares to lift the veil on its groundbreaking hybrid iteration of the revered 911. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage as we unravel the intricacies of this pioneering evolution in 18 days’ time.