Think a Porsche 911 hybrid is a bad idea? You’re wrong.
And it only took me one lap of an iconic racetrack to realise that not only is the new 911 GTS T-Hybrid a worthy new addition to the brand’s line-up, it actually creates an awkward problem for the brand. Riding shotgun in the new GTS T-Hybrid last weekend for a hot lap around Laguna Seca what I was struck with immediately was the sheer performance boost the new powertrain provides. It has closed the gap to the hero 911 Turbo so much it makes you wonder how the brand will be able to avoid an interval conflict between the two.
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A quick refresher for those unfamiliar with the new 911 GTS T-Hybrid. It uses a new 3.6-litre flat six engine that has been specifically developed to allow for the hybrid powertrain to be included. So it uses a high-voltage system to electronically control the air-conditioning compressor and therefore do away with the need for a belt drive, which in-turn creates more space in the engine bay.
In that space Porsche has fitted a new electric exhaust gas turbocharger, with an integrated electric motor positioned between the compressor and turbine wheel to allow for near-instantaneous response. In addition, there is a permanent magnet synchronous motor integrated into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The result is a powertrain that makes an impressive 398kW of power and 610Nm of torque; which is a 45kW improvement over the previous 911 GTS. There’s still a gap to the 911 Turbo, which makes 427kW and 750Nm, but the gap has shrunk by 45kW and you can feel it.
A lap around Laguna Seca would have been a blast in any car, with the track bathed in California sunshine and snaking its way up and around a hill it’s as good as a racetrack gets. But the 911 GTS T-Hybrid immediately made this an even more memorable experience.
As we pull away slowly there’s the trademark 911 smoothness, but once we get onto the front straight my chauffeur unleashes the full potential of the new hybrid powertrain and I’m immediately blown away. The delivery of the power and torque immediately reminds me of the 911 Turbo, with the kind of relentless shove that only the 911’s forced-induction hero could previously manage.
As we wound our way through the first turns the launch from corner to corner blew me away, with no detectable lag and instead just a massive surge forward from the hybrid-boosted powertrain.
Of course, the handling of the new GTS is as you’d expect from a 911, as we worked our way up the challenge hill towards the iconic Corkscrew, the Porsche had a poise and balance that few other sports cars can match.
And just like that, the ride was over. But there were three clear takeaways – firstly, Laguna Seca lives up to the hype, and secondly, the gap between the 911 GTS and 911 Turbo has shrunk.
Now, I have no doubt Porsche has some tricks up its sleeve to extend the gap between the two again. But even if it doesn’t the name, heritage and lack of hybrid help do help the pair stand apart.
Perhaps the last take away from the ride is the most important for Porsche and its future, and it’s this. Anyone worried about the future of the brand, concerned that it has gone ‘too green’ doesn’t need to worry. Just like the all-electric Taycan, the new 911 GTS T-Hybrid is still a performance car first and foremost and the hybrid system is there to contribute to that, not diminish it.
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