Porsche 911 gets updated with new electrified variant

Porsche has unveiled its updated 911. Top story here, is the fact that the sports coupe is now available with an electrified drivetrain, which will be offered for the 911 Carrera GTS models.

This new drivetrain gets its displacement raised to 3.6 litres, and is supported by a new 'T-Hybrid' system that comprises of a 53bhp permanent magnet synchronous motor which is integrated into car's new, eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and can offer an extra drive torque of up to 150Nm. This T-Hybrid system also comprises of a new electrically-assisted wastegate-free turbocharger.

The Porsche Carrera 911 GTS now gets a 3.6-litre engine that is fed by an electrically-assisted turbocharger allowing it to produce a system total of 534bhp

Combined, all these mean the new drivetrain now offers a total of 534bhp and 610Nm of torque, allowing the car to complete the century sprint in 3.0 seconds flat. For comparison, the outgoing Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe develops a total of 473bhp and completes the same sprint in 3.4 seconds. Porsche additionally states that while the Carrera GTS no longer gets twin-turbocharging, this new electrically-assisted system will allow the 911 Carrera GTS to deliver more dynamic and responsive power delivery than before.

The system additionally makes use of a 1.9kWh battery that operates at 400V, which Porsche states, corresponds in size and weight to a conventional 12V starter battery. A lightweight lithium-ion battery, meanwhile, is utilised for the car's 12V on-board electrical system.

And the GTS models will also receive a host of handling upgrades to reign over this newfound power. Changes here include the use of rear-axle steering, while the firm's Dynamic Chassis Control is now integrated with the car's high-voltage system, allowing it to make use of an electro-hydraulic control system which Porsche states allows more precise and flexible control over the anti-roll stabilisation system.

For those interested in the Carrera models, Porsche has also extensively updated the 3.0-litre unit which serves here (catch our review of the outgoing 911 Carrera 4S here). Headline upgrade for the engine is the fact that it now utilises the intercooler from the Turbo models, which now sits directly under the rear lid grille, above the engine. 

The Porsche Carrera 911 GTS now gets five vertically arranged active cooling air flaps at either side, alongside a redesigned rear bumper and light strip housing

These upgrades mean the Porsche 911 Carrera now develops a total of 389bhp and a maximum torque of 450Nm. These figures mean the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe will hit 100km/h from a standstill in 4.1 seconds, or 3.9 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono package.

And you shouldn't find it too difficult to spot this updated 911.

On the outside the car now gets new bumpers, while matrix LED head lights are now standard for the model. Opt for the 911 Carrera GTS and this front comes with five vertically arranged active cooling air flaps at either side. Customers can also opt for HD matrix LED lights, which are said to illuminate the road up to a distance of more than 600m.

The cabin of the Porsche 911 now makes use of a digital 12.6-inch curved display that can offer up to seven different views

At the rear, the Porsche 911 now comes with a redesigned light strip housing that sports an integrated arch and houses the Porsche wordmark. The rear grille also now sports just five fins at each side, and the car now houses its license plate at a slightly higher position within its rear bumper.

Inside, the Porsche 911 now makes use of a fully digital 12.6-inch curved display that offers up to seven views, including an exclusive 'Classic' display inspired by the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer. This new display is supported by a new driver assistance lever and engine start button. The centre console storage compartment of the 911 now sports an inductive smartphone charger within a cooled compartment.

Porsche Singapore will reveal information about pricing and deliveries for the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera GTS in Singapore at a later date.