Porsche hosts regional media drive of new 911 GTS T-Hybrid

Porsche Asia Pacific recently hosted the regional media drive of the new 911 GTS T-Hybrid in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Introduced alongside the 911 Carrera as part of the facelifted 992.2 generation of Porsche's iconic sports car, the 911 GTS T-Hybrid marks the introduction of new technology that once more will get die-hard enthusiasts up in arms - hybrid technology.

Yes, the new GTS T-Hybrid is the first-ever electrified 911.

The new T-Hybrid systems combines with a newly-developed 3.6-litre flat-six engine to produce a combined 534bhp and 610Nm of torque in the new 911 GTS

Making its Southeast Asian premiere earlier this year in Thailand, the 911 GTS T-Hybrid is the first Porsche model to be endowed with the brand's advanced performance hybrid system - the T-Hybrid.  

In this particular application, a newly-developed 3.6-litre flat-six engine is mated to a single turbocharger, dubbed the eTurbo. Within this large turbocharger sits an electric motor connected directly to the turbine shaft, and drastically reduces the time it takes for the turbo to spool up, and thus full boost pressure is consistently available within a very short time. This effectively eliminates 'turbo lag'. Additionally, this electric motor can also act as a generator, harvesting exhaust gases to produce 11kW of power.

A second electric motor is housed within the PDK gearbox - this permanently excited synchronous motor can produce up to 150Nm of drive torque, as well as generate 40kW of power. Both electric motors also are used to feed the 1.9kWh high-voltage battery.

Besides higher performance output, the GTS also gets model-specific suspension tuning that drops ride height by 10mm

On its own, the 3.6-litre flat-six produces 471bhp and 570Nm of torque. With the T-Hybrid tacked on, system output stands at 534bhp and 610Nm (figures that eclipse even the GT3 RS). This means the car will complete the century sprint in 3 seconds flat.

The GTS also gets model-specific tuning on its PASM Sport Suspension (which drops ride height by 10mm), as well as rear-axle steering as standard. 

To mark it out as the higher-performance model, the GTS also gets some model-specific design touches. Built around active aerodynamics, the front features five vertically arranged cooling on each side air intake, which open and close depending on driving situation, outside temperature and power demand (opening to suck in more cool air during high loads). They work in conjunction with adaptive diffusers in the front underbody.

The GTS model can be identified by the vertically-arranged air flaps on the side intakes at the front, as well as the centrally-positioned tailpipes 

At the rear, the GTS features twin tailpipes that are positioned towards the centre (they are wider apart on the standard Carrera model). There is also an automatically extending rear spoiler that deploys according to speed.

The interior of the car is consistent with the 992.2 facelift - a heavy dose of digitalisation that sees a fully digital 12.6-inch curved display used for the first time in the 911. Up to seven display designs are available, including a 'rev counter' mode that orientates the central tachometer dial such that the red line is at the 12 o’clock position - a nod to many historic Porsche racing cars.

Indeed, the only specific differences on the GTS are the additional battery meter on the dial, as well as a new 'energy' menu that tracks the deployment of both combustion and electric power. As standard, the GTS also gets a GT spots steering wheel trimmed in Race-Tex, as well as Race-Tex finishes on several surfaces.

The cabin is largely indistinguishable from the standard 992.2 Carrera, with the exception of small details such as the battery meter in the digital dashboard

Of course, as with any 911 (or any Porsche, for that matter), a wide range of options are available for additional personalisation.

Orders for the new 911 GTS T-Hybrid have already begun in Singapore, with the car having a starting price of $781,168 (not inclusive of COE and options). You can go crazy on the configurator here (I did and somehow managed to add $247,696 of options to bring the price to $1.02m before COE). Sgcarmart understands that some examples of the new 911 GTS have already been delivered, while the current order books will likely see new orders being delivered next year.

Stay tuned for our driving impressions of the car from here in Thailand, coming soon!