Following the GTS, the flagship Porsche 911 Turbo S additionally turns into a hybrid—bringing much more energy and sharper response. Not that probably the most full of all 911s was ever missing. Nonetheless, simply the factor for a spirited Christmas celebration.
Whether or not any buyer will ever actually detect the distinction between the outgoing 992.1 Turbo S and the hybrid-powered 992.2 successor stays up for debate. The outgoing 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six produced an already formidable 478kW (650PS), good for a staggering high velocity of round 320km/h. The brand new mannequin seems to be virtually an identical to its predecessor however reverts to a 3.6-litre displacement, gaining an electrical increase to ship a dramatic uplift to 523kW (711PS).
Technically, the Turbo S is intently associated to the extra restrained GTS hybrid, however the flagship options two electrically assisted turbochargers, eradicating any hint of turbo lag. For the sceptical, just a few laps at Weissach with Porsche manufacturing facility driver Jörg Bergmeister might be sufficient to render them speechless. The thrust is astonishing, the G-forces immense, and the feeling borders on lift-off. Peak torque stays at 800Nm, delivered between 2,300 and 6,000rpm, however the supply is now broader and extra linear.
There’s just one small catch: should you haven’t skilled these brutal laps with Bergmeister, you may not really feel a lot distinction. Even for expert drivers, the brand new and outdated Turbo S really feel near-identical below public street situations. And because the new hybrid doesn’t function plug-in functionality, there’s no actual gasoline financial system profit or electric-only vary to whisper out of your gated group within the morning. As a substitute, the 400-volt electrical system sharpens throttle response and provides 61PS—noticeable solely to a really choose few.
Efficiency figures now learn 0–100km/h in 2.5 seconds and a high velocity of 322km/h. Respectable, actually, however the outdated Turbo S wasn’t precisely missing. The hybrid system provides 85kg by its battery, wiring and electronics, although the distinction is unlikely to be perceptible to most drivers.
To handle the added mass and heightened dynamics, Porsche has fitted wider tyres (255/35 ZR20 entrance, 325/30 ZR21 rear), bigger carbon-ceramic brakes (420mm entrance, 410mm rear), and a brand new adaptive damping system that guarantees to higher management physique roll below excessive hundreds.
All of this comes at a price. The brand new Turbo S begins from €271,000 in coupé kind. The Cabriolet, which instructions a wholesome share of the mannequin’s registrations, begins at €285,200. Gross sales begin across the flip of the yr, simply in time for individuals who fancy one thing notably extravagant below the tree.
And as a ultimate flourish, the titanium brake system shaves 6.8kg whereas offering a stirring soundtrack. Merry Christmas, certainly.
