PORSCHE 911 GTS t-Hybrid 2dr PDK

With added T-Hybrid tech, Porsche's 911 Carrera GTS might still mark the sweet spot in the 911 range. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The 911 model line - 'neunelf' in German - has a lot of life in it yet and proof of that comes with the latest T-Hybrid version of this mid-level Carrera GTS model. With more focus than a base Carrera and just a taste of 911 Turbo, it might well be all the 911 you could ever need.

Background

The very idea of a hybrid Porsche 911 was enough to send shockwaves around the sports car community. Enthusiasts had visions of a two-tonne plug-in version of this iconic model - which then, arguably, wouldn't really be a 911 at all. What we got instead in the form of this car, the 911 GTS T-Hybrid, isn't that at all. The hybrid tech hasn't added undue weight; and though it aids efficiency, it's really all about performance. The introduction of this electrified 3.6-litre T-Hybrid unit is for now limited to the mid-level GTS model - the car that sits between the Carrera at the bottom end of the range (also upgraded but without electrification) and the GT3 and Turbo models at the top (which continue much as before). The Carrera and GTS models get a package of visual and cabin upgrades too, in what amounts to mid-term 992-series model facelift (known in the industry as the '992.2').

Engines and Tech Spec

Whereas the original 992-series 911 GTS offered a relatively modest upgrade in power over the Carrera series, it's pretty different with this T-Hybrid '992.2' model. Its output is now 541PS (61PS more than before and well up on the 394PS of the latest Carrera), with 62mph achievable in 3 seconds flat on the way to 194mph. Why you'd now still pay more for a 911 Turbo is difficult to fathom. As before, there's a choice of rear-driven or 4WD formats. All that speed now comes from a very different kind of engine. It still a boxer flat six (of course) but is now 3.6-litres in size (up from 3.0-litres) and now uses just a single turbocharger (rather than two). That's because the turbo is now aided by a 54PS electric motor energised by a 1.9kWh 216-cell 27kg battery. The end result is that everything is even more instant as the electric turbo spins at up to 120,000rpm. To the accompaniment of a rather pleasing selection of gurgles, whistles and wines. There are the usual drive modes and the engine is happy to rev out to 7,500rpm to the accompaniment of a satisfyingly loud sports exhaust flare in 'Sport Plus'. Four-wheel steering is now standard, as of course are PASM adaptive dampers (now revised). Plus the braking system's now borrowed from the 911 Turbo. The 400V hybrid tech energises all kinds of drive systems, including the starter, the alternator, the nose-lift set-up and an optional electrohydraulic roll-stabilisation PDCC set-up you'll probably want to pay extra for.

Design and Build

You'd need to be very familiar indeed with the 992-series 911 to spot the visual changes made to this updated model, offered as before in Coupe, Cabriolet or Targa forms. The main difference lies with the redesigned headlamps, now with standard matrix tech, which retain the characteristic 4-point graphic but now incorporate all the illuminating functions, so there's no need for front driving lights, which creates space for larger cooling vents at the front of the car. There's also a redesigned rear light strip and model-specific bumpers. On this GTS variant, the front-end has five vertically arranged active cooling air flaps visible from the outside, with another hidden flap on each side. Otherwise, the pure 911 shape remains unaltered, as are the staggered wheel sizes - 19 or 20-inch fronts and 20 or 21-inch rears. You might more easily note the major change made to the traditionally driver-focused cockpit; for the first time, the 911 has a fully digital instrument cluster, though the rev counter remains the central feature in the 12.6-inch curved driver's display, customisable with up to seven layouts; including a 'Classic' display inspired by the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer. There's also now a start button rather than a twisting dial. As before, infotainment is still taken care of by a 10.9-inch Porsche Communications Management central screen. But this monitor now offers more customisation options for drive modes and driver assistance systems, plus there are lots of new connectivity features, including video streaming. As before, there are the usual two rear seats (unless you order the optional 'lightweight package'). And under the bonnet, there's 132-litres of storage space.

Market and Model

At the time of this GTS T-Hybrid model's launch, pricing started from around £133,000 for the rear-driven Coupe and from £143,000 for the rear-driven Cabriolet. Add around £6,500 more if you want either model with Carrera 4 AWD. To give you some range perspective, the rear-driven GTS price is about £33,000 more than the equivalent un-electrified Carrera model. It's £6,000 more to get your Carrera GTS with all-wheel drive. You'll pay from around £149,000 for the Targa GTS (only offered in 4WD form). That's quite a step up from the GTS pricing applied to the original un-electrified version of this 992-series model (which started from around £122,000). At least you get quite a bit more standard equipment now as part of the deal. There's rear-wheel steering and a GTS-specific sports exhaust system, plus Matrix LED headlamps featuring more than 32,000 light points. Their high performance high beam illuminates the road to a distance of more than 600 metres and offers innovative additional functions such as a driving mode-dependent dynamic cornering light, lane brightening, a construction site and bottleneck light and a non-dazzling high beam that is precise to the pixel. Inside, the car now benefits from a fully digital instrument display. You'll want to consider paying extra for the optional electrohydraulic roll-stabilisation PDCC set-up. And the larger 20/21-inch wheel size.

Cost of Ownership

If you were hoping that the installation of T-Hybrid tech here might significantly improve this 911 GTS model's efficiency figures, then you might be disappointed. Actually, they're not all that much different from those of an ordinary 911 Carrera. As before, the most efficient GTS package is the Coupe, which in rear-driven and Carrera 4 forms manages bests of 26.9mpg and 239g/km of CO2. Actually, those figures are worse than those of the pre-facelift 480PS GTS model (which recorded 27.2mpg and 236g/km of CO2); but bear in mind that a lot less power was offered there. The GTS T-Hybrid Cabriolet manages bests of 26.4mpg and 243g/km. What else? Well all 911 GTS models are covered by the brand's usual three-year unlimited mileage warranty package. And the 911 also has 12 years of corrosion cover and a three year paint guarantee. Insurance for a car of this power and performance is never going to be cheap; all GTS variants attract a top-of-the-shop group 50 rating. Still, residual value percentages are uber-high - think in the late fifties after three years of ownership - or better. Bear in mind that depreciation will take a hit if you load your car up with too many unnecessary pricey extras. There's a wider dealer network than many rivals can offer and you'll only need to visit your local Porsche centre every two years or every 20,000 miles, whichever comes first. There's no option to buy into a pre-paid servicing package at point of purchase, but the brand does provide a fixed price servicing approach that makes sure you'll know in advance exactly what work will be carried out and what it will cost.

Summary

It's to Porsche's credit that the installation of this T-Hybrid engine has embellished rather than diluted this 911's performance credentials. The technology suggests an emphasis on efficiency, but its installation in this GTS model is really all about enhancement of the thrilling drive dynamics that have always set this iconic model line apart. We wish it wasn't now so expensive. But this car is beautifully built, will hold onto its value and now has an even more luxurious, yet still driver-focused, interior. Whether the GTS model is still the sweet spot in the range is a matter of debate. This 'Gran Turismo Sport' interpretation of what a 911 should be might still not be your most addictive choice from the line-up. But as an ownership proposition, it might prove to be the most satisfying one.

Body Glass

Heated rear windscreen

Windscreen washer system with aero wiper blades and washer jets

Brakes

Electric parking brake

Communication

Navigation High

Apple CarPlay

Driver Aids

Driver awareness detection

Warn and brake assist including pedestrian protection

Traffic sign recognition

Lane keep assist

Rear axle steering

Stationary management with HOLD function

Driver Convenience

Emergency call systems eCall and bCall

Voice control

Automatic start/stop system

Driver Information

Smartphone compartment with wireless charging up to 15 W

Gear indicator in rev counter

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors with courtesy lights

Automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor

Embellishment Trims

Interior trim in black brushed aluminum

Engine

63 litre fuel tank

Two gasoline particulate filter

3.6 liters 6-cylinder boxer engine with electric turbocharger

Lightweight on-board battery LiFe PO4

Steering code with engine cooling system

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Trim on side skirts in black

Fuel/charging cover

Rear boot

Rear lid grille with vertical slats in satin black

Model designation on rear trim in satin black

Door handles painted in exterior colour

PORSCHE logo painted in satin black

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

Automatic headlight activation including welcome home lighting

3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Particle/pollen filter with active carbon filter

Two zone auto climate control

Interior Features

Delete quilting

Leather door panel and central armrests

Lockable glove compartment

Steering wheel with manual fore/aft and height adjustment

USB-C fast charging

Roof lining in Race tex

Interior Lights

LED footwell lights

LED orientation light

LED ignition light

LED glove compartment lighting

LED reading lights

LED luggage compartment lighting

Packs

Sound pack plus - 911

Sport chrono package - 911 with porsche track precision app and tyre temperature display

Light design package - 911

Safety

Warning triangle

Airbags

Pedestrian safety

Seat belt warning system for driver and front passenger and rear seat system

Seatbelt pretensioners

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3 point automatic seatbelts

Seats

Heated front seats

Single front passenger seat

Headrests with stitched model designation

Front head restraints

ISOFIX fastening system

2-seater with rear engine layout

Security

Preparation for Porsche Dashcam

Comfort access system

Keyless drive

Alarm system with interior surveillance

Porsche vehicle tracking system (PVTS Plus)

Alcohol interlock preparation

Transmission

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)

8 Speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

All wheel drive with map controlled multi plate clutch Porsche Traction Management (PTM)

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

Wheel centres with full colour Porsche crest

TPM valve in black

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealing compound and electric air compressor kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.9

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 236

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 248

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 221

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 202

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 211

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 200

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 249

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 241

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 237

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 401

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 409

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 3591

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 97

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 81

Cylinders: 6

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: REAR MOUNTED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 15.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 17.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 9.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 9.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 8.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 11

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 18

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 25.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 27.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 29

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 31.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 30.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 32

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 25.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 26.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 16

General

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Badge Engine CC: 3.6

Badge Power: 541

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: t-Hybrid

Coin Series: GTS

Performance

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 541

Engine Power - KW: 398

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 450

Engine Torque - NM: 610

Top Speed: 194

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3

Engine Torque - MKG: 62.2

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 315/30 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 DOUBLE SPOKES

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 245/35 R20

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4553

Wheelbase: 2450

Width: 1852

Width (including mirrors): 2033

Height: 1306

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 63

Max. Loading Weight: 320

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 373

No. of Seats: 2

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1965

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.9

Minimum Kerbweight: 1645

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Windscreen with grey top tint

Lightweight glass

Protective foil front

Lightweight glass including privacy glass

Brakes

Porsche ceramic composite brake (PCCB) with brake calipers painted in high gloss black

High gloss black brake calipers

Porsche ceramic composite brake (PCCB)

Carpets/Rugs

Bespoke floor mats

Floor mats in carbon with leather edging

Personalised floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)

Porsche dynamic chassis control

Front axle lift system

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Night view assist

Power steering plus

Porsche innodrive including Adaptive cruise control

Remote park assist

Lane change assist

Surround view with active parking support

Driver Convenience

Homelink (programmable garage door opener)

Driver Information

Carmine red rev counter

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirror bases painted in exterior colour

Exterior mirror upper trims in carbon incl. lower trims and mirror bases painted in high gloss black

Exterior mirror upper trims in carbon incl. lower trims and mirror bases painted in exterior colour

Embellishment Trims

Porsche crest on storage compartment lid

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in guards red

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in racing yellow

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in arctic blue

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in white

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital tachometer slate grey neo

Entertainment

Burmester high end surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Electric tilt/slide glass sunroof

Electric slide and tilt sunroof

Model designation deletion

Porsche metallic paint

Porsche special metallic paint

Model designation painted in exterior colour

Side model logo in black

Side model logo in red

Side model logo in silver colour

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in black

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in red

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in silver colour

Motorsport decorative sticker set in black

Motorsport decorative sticker set in silver colour

Motorsport decorative sticker set in red

Painted 911 logo in high gloss black

Light weight carbon roof

Deletion of GTS logo on both front doors

Exclusive design fuel filler cap

Painted 911 logo in exterior colour

Door release levers painted in high gloss black

Rear lid slat inlays painted in exterior colour

Sport Design sideskirts

911 logo - 2RA

Preparation for roof transport system

Sport design sideskirts in matt black

Paint to sample colour

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in Neodyme

Side model logo in Neodyme

Window triangle trims front in carbon with side window trims painted in high gloss black

Carbon window triangle trims

Porsche additional special metallic paint

Titanium sports tailpipes

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in arctic blue

Engine compartment lid painted in titanium grey with Badge in carbon

Motorsport decorative sticker set in arctic blue

Side model logo in arctic blue

Side window trims in high gloss black

t-hybrid Logo

Exterior Lights

PORSCHE logo LED door courtesy lights

Tinted HD-Matrix LED main headlights

Exclusive design taillights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air Ioniser

Interior Features

Aluminium pedals

Luggage net in passenger footwell

Inner door sill guards in leather

Leather cupholder cover

Leather fuse box cover

PDK gear selector in aluminium look

Storage compartment lid with model logo

Club leather upholstery

Two tone leather interior

Two tone club leather upholstery

Illuminated door sill guards in matt carbon

Steering column casing in leather

Storage compartment lid in Race tex with Porsche crest

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior

Storage compartment lid in race tex with Porsche logo

Steering column casing leather in conjunction with memory package - 911

Bespoke embossing on centre console storage compartment lid

Heated GT sports steering wheel in leather

Porsche design subsecond clock

Illuminated bespoke door sill guards in matt carbon

Illuminated bespoke door sill guards brushed aluminium in black

Bespoke vehicle key in leather with leather key pouch

Bespoke vehicle key painted with key pouch in leather

Inner door sill guards in Race-Tex

Race-Tex fuse box cover

Personalised vehicle key leather with key pouch leather

Personalised vehicle key painted with key pouch leather

Porsche crest on headrests

Personalised documentation folder

Bespoke documentation folder

Heated GT Sports steering wheel in Race-Tex with carbon matt

Heated GT sports steering wheel leather with steering wheel panel carbon matt

Illuminated door sill guards in brushed aluminium in black

Air vents leather with slats leather and coloured decorative stitching

Air vents leather with slats painted and coloured decorative stitching

Air vents Race-Tex with slats leather and coloured decorative stitching

Air vents Race-Tex with slats painted and coloured decorative stitching

Interior mirror panel in Race-Tex with coloured decorative stitching

Leather interior exclusive manufaktur

Interior mirror panel in leather with coloured decorative stitching

Packs

Aerokit-911

Race-Tex interior package with extensive items in leather - 911

Race-Tex interior package with extensive items in leather and leather seat centres - 911

Interior package GTS - 911

Aerokit Carbon-911

Exterior package painted in high gloss black - 911 in conjunction with Aerokit

Exterior Package painted in high gloss black - 911

SportDesign Package carbon - 911

Interior trim package with decorative stitching in contrasting colour - 911

Carbon matt interior package with accent in black - 911

Leather package 930 - 911

Interior package leather with accent in lightsilver - 911

Dashboard trim package leather - 911

Dashboard and door trim package leather - 911

Dashboard and door trim package leather - 911 in combination with Race-Tex interior package with extensive items in leather

Dashboard and door trim package leather - 911 in combination with Race-Tex interior package with extensive items in leather, seat centres leather

Door trim leather package - 911

Interior Package painted in Exterior Colour with accent in Black - 911

Carbon matt Interior Package with accent in Ceramica - 911

Smoking package - 911

Interior package GTS - 911 SK

Extended package leather interior exclusive manufaktur - 911 Carrera S

Dashboard and door trim package leather - 911 in combination with two tone club leather upholstery

Door trim leather package in combination with Two tone club leather upholstery - 911

Interior trim package with decorative stitching and seat accents in contrasting colour - 911

Paint - Metallic

Porsche metallic - GT silver

Porsche metallic - Jet Black

Porsche metallic - Ice grey

Porsche metallic - Vanadium Grey

Paint - Solid

Porsche solid - Black

Porsche solid - White

Paint - Special

Porsche special metallic - Carmine red

Porsche special metallic - Gentian Blue

Paint to sample colour - Custom

Porsche special metallic - Provence

Porsche special metallic - Guards Red

Porsche special metallic - Cartagena Yellow

Porsche special metallic - Lugano Blue

Porsche additional special metallic - Shade green

Porsche additional special metallic - Slate grey neo

Porsche additional special metallic - Crayon

Porsche additional special metallic - Oak green neo

Safety

Fire extinguisher

Seat Belts racing yellow

Seat Belts guards red

Seat Belts arctic blue

Seat Belts bordeaux red

Seat Belts silver grey

Seat Belts crayon

Seats

Full bucket seat

Front seat ventilation

14 way electric sports seats with memory pack

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack

Sports seat plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay in leather

Sports seat plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay in matt carbon

Sports seat Plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay painted in exterior colour

Belt outlets trimmed in Race tex

3D printed bodyform full bucket seat with degree of firmness - soft

3D printed bodyform full bucket seat with degree of firmness - hard

3D printed bodyform full bucket seat with degree of firmness - medium

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Club leather upholstery

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Two tone club leather upholstery

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Leather interior

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Two tone leather interior

Seat consoles in leather with coloured decorative stitching

Seat consoles in race-tex with coloured decorative stitching

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with leather interior exclusive manufaktur two tone

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Interior package

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Race-Tex interior package with extensive items in leather

Trim - Leather

Leather - Black

Leather - Bordeaux red

Club leather - Truffle brown

Two tone leather interior - Black / Bordeaux red

Two tone leather interior - Slate Grey / Crayon

Leather - Black with Crayon stitching

Leather - Bordeaux Red with Crayon stitching

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Bordeaux Red / choice of leather colour

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Bordeaux Red / choice of leather colour

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Black / choice of leather colour

Leather - Dark Night Blue

Leather - Dark Night Blue with Crayon stitching

Two tone leather interior - Black / Chalk Beige

Two tone leather interior - Dark Night Blue / Crayon

Club leather - Basalt black

Two tone club leather - Black and Classic Cognac

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Crayon Grey

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Magnesium grey

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Nightgreen

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Dark night blue

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Aquamarine blue

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Slate grey

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Riviera blue

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Lavender

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Blackberry

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Guards Red

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Black

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Bordeaux red

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Cohiba brown

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Cognac

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Chalk beige

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Kalahari beige

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Dark Night Blue / Choice of leather colour

Vanity Mirrors

Leather sunvisors

Race tex sunvisors

Wheels

Wheels painted in exterior colour

Wheels painted in satin black

Wheels painted in high gloss black with highly polished surfaces

Wheels - Alloy

20" / 21" Carrera S wheels

20" / 21" Carrera exclusive design wheels with Carbon Blades

20" / 21" RS Spyder Design wheels in anthracite grey