New Porsche 911 Turbo turns to hybrid power for more oomph

Since the current 992.2-generation of the Porsche 911 launched in spring 2024, we’ve seen updated versions of the Carrera, GTS, Targa and even the GT3 – and soon we’ll see the punchy Turbo model join the line up, as we’ve spotted it once again. 

The new car will mark a significant shift for the Turbo model, which in 2024 celebrated its 50th anniversary with the 911 Turbo 50 Years, by switching to electrification for the first time. It won’t be a fully-electric model, though. Instead, the Turbo is expected to use a more powerful version of the new 911 GTS’s hybrid system. 

This is actually the first time we’ve seen the 992.2 Turbo in soft-top Cabriolet form, though like its predecessor, it shares its main design elements with the hard-top Coupé. Funnily enough, the road we spotted this Turbo Cabriolet on is the same stretch where we got a glimpse of the upcoming 911 Speedster. 

As for the Turbo, we know that it’ll gain several cosmetic tweaks with this new model. Starting with the nose, we can see the new front end on both the Turbo Coupé and Cabriolet features vertically oriented active vanes that sit either side of a large central opening - similar to the new 911 GTS’ design.

While the test car does have silver strips on the bumper mimicking indicators (as on the current generation), we know that all 992.2 models have their full lighting set-up integrated into the main headlight units, giving the lower bumper a cleaner look. 

On the Turbo Coupé we spotted earlier in the year there were the same set of 20/21-inch staggered wheels, though on this Cabriolet there’s a new aero-optised set of wheels, complete with a centre-lock mechanism that reduces unsprung weight. Behind are the typical yellow calipers of Porsche’s ceramic braking system.

The rear end arguably features the biggest collection of changes, including a brand-new lower bumper with a large grey plastic insert that incorporates a set of double-oblong exhaust finishers. Turbo S models have typically featured the oval exhausts from Porsche’s Sports Exhaust option, but it looks as if the new Turbo S will feature a more distinctive design that helps mark the Turbo out from lesser 911 models. 

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The new car features the same active rear wing as before, but what’s lurking underneath is still a mystery. Previous 911 Turbos have typically run a larger 3.7-litre engine with twin variable-vane turbochargers rather than the 3.0-litre units found in the base Carrera. But given that the new GTS features a brand-new 3.6-litre unit, we suspect this might also appear in the new Turbo.  

The difference between the two cars will likely be the turbocharger set-up. The new GTS, with its single large turbocharger, is assisted by having a small electric motor integrated in the turbocharger housing. This essentially eliminates turbo lag, fixing the problem that a Turbo’s complex and expensive variable-geometry turbochargers do mechanically. 

As a result, this brings into question what technology the new Turbo S might include, especially taking into account the small gearbox-mounted e-motor that will also likely be integrated into the overall system. We also expect varying power outputs between a ‘base’ Turbo and Turbo S - likely achieved by different turbo compressor and engine management. 

Regardless of the actual layout, the 911 Turbo S will be all about a big output – above the current car’s 641bhp. As with all modern Turbos, this will power an all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

The new car will also feature lots of high-end chassis technology, including Porsche’s active ride-stabilisation system, the aforementioned ceramic brakes, the firm’s torque-vectoring rear differential, and an active front splitter to balance out the large rear wing. 

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However, there is also a rumour that Porsche will be adding a new ‘Touring’ model to the range, which will feature a manual transmission and do away with lots of the chassis tech, and the side intake. This will create a model similar in principle to the 911 Sport Classic, and offer an additional series-production model for those after a new combination of 911 engine, gearbox and chassis tech. 

If you’re looking to get a Porsche in your driveway then look no further than the Auto Express Marketplace where you’ll find loads of tempting used 911s to choose from. 

We’ll know more in the run-up to the car’s formal debut in a few months, with this potential ‘Touring’ model possibly arriving a few months later.

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