Monday 13th May

Official: new hybrid 911 laps Nurburgring in 7:16

Electrified 992 is imminent; it'll be fast alright

---

Hybridised 911s aren't actually a new thing - the 997 GT3 R Hybrid raced as long ago as 2010. Porsche has been considering this for a while, and we’re now not far from a hybridised 992 being in showrooms as part of a wider update to the model. A five-million-kilometre test programme that’s taken in every climate and condition is complete, and production will begin soon. There’s plenty more information to come, of course, but the crucial bit of info today is a Nurburgring lap time. 

7:16.934 is the important number, which Porsche says is 8.7 seconds faster than ‘the corresponding version of the previous model’. That was most likely the 450hp Carrera S (even Porsche can’t make a 385hp Carrera lap in 7:25), and represents a significant step on. It’s faster than the official lap time for an M4 CSL, for example. The test car was kitted out with the aero kit and fixed rear wing that always just seemed like an option for show-offs (but actually contributes some downforce) and ‘standard road tyres’. The 911 was driven by Jorg Bergmeister, who reckoned that “more grip, significantly more power, and the spontaneous response of the performance hybrid is a great advantage.” It never really seemed like the 992 was lacking any of those attributes, so it’ll be intriguing to see how the hybrid drives.

Indeed it’s claimed by Frank Moser, Vice Pres of the 911 and 718 line, that the introduction of electrified drive has made the car “even more dynamic”. He added: “We left nothing to chance during development and tested the new 911 under all sorts of conditions all over the world. From the freezing cold to scorching heat, as was the case during the final stages of testing in Dubai. Whether at a high drivetrain load in the demanding conditions of mountain passes or in the stop-and-go traffic of an urban environment, the new 911 has mastered even the most difficult challenges with aplomb.”

Wouldn’t be a 911 if it didn’t, right? The new model will be revealed in full at the end of May - we’ll bring you every detail then. 

---

• 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic (992) | UK Review
• Porsche 911 Carrera (992) | PH Buying Guide

[GreatScott2016]

Yes please, nothing else to say really

[Robertb]

What was the camel’s ’Ring time?

[Turbobanana]

Could they not have found an angle for the publicity shot that didn't feature the word "Hyundai" in the background?

[redroadster]

Porsche do know how to make a fast car hope they also bring out the synthetic fuel at reasonable prices to keep these engines turning into the future .

[WCZ]

decent time considering it'll presumably be the new base spec car?

[911Spanker]

WCZ said:

decent time considering it'll presumably be the new base spec car?

Yep - pretty damn quick for the entry level car.

[thelostboy]

I'm sure it will be great, but one thing that has put me off long term ownership of a turbo era 911 is that the turbos seem to a go a lot.

Was this confined to the 991.2, or is it a problem with the 992 as well?

[howardhughes]

I love Porsche, but seriously, I can't but think another Green Hell pissing contest.

[Simoninspalding]

Robertb said:

What was the camel’s ’Ring time?

Not great, it kept mistaking gravel traps for sand dunes so strayed from the racing line.

[hu8742]

Any more info on what the electric/hybrid power train actually entails? Is it a plug-in that can run on pure EV or more like a Prius ?

[Andy665]

Nothing more than "faster and has more grip"

What about weight, weight distribution, "feel" - or is it only performance that matters nowadays?

[FMOB]

I thought they ruled out going hybrid in the 911? They will be claiming 50:50 weight distribution for it next as the batteries are in the frunk.

[I 8 a 4RE]

Sad day for a motoring icon … all because of some clueless, woke politicians and a screaming Swedish child.

I bet a 997 with half the power will be twice the fun.

[GTRene]

Robertb said:

What was the camel’s ’Ring time?

[996GT3_Matt]

Andy665 said:

Nothing more than "faster and has more grip"

What about weight, weight distribution, "feel" - or is it only performance that matters nowadays?

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve cycled through a few modern “greats” of late, but the grip and torque fest has bored me.
Less power, less grip and a modern Car Play radio is all I need.

[MCBrowncoat]

Robertb said:

What was the camel’s ’Ring time?

Couldn't set one - it got the hump

[estoril m3]

Currently having a 992 Carrera 4 GTS I don't really fancy this hybrid malarkey but will reserve judgement for now...

I will have to get myself a new sticker if I did get one though.....

[tr3a]

I 8 a 4RE said:

Sad day for a motoring icon … all because of some clueless, woke politicians and a screaming Swedish child.

Oh dear. With continuous change being the only constant we have, your life must be very hard.

[ManyMotors]

A bit late though still right for the time. Hybrids are hot.

[paul13]

redroadster said:

Porsche do know how to make a fast car hope they also bring out the synthetic fuel at reasonable prices to keep these engines turning into the future .

^^^ THIS