Refreshed Porsche 911 Turbo adds hybrid power

For its mid-life facelift the already outrageously quick Porsche 911 Turbo adds more venom with a boosted hybrid powertrain.

Several updates of current 992.2-generation Porsche 911s have launched recently but we’ve yet to spy the refreshed 911 Turbo. Now it is appearing on the horizon.

The 911, which turned 50 last year, introduced electrification for the first time in the GTS model. And the facelifted 911 Turbo is expected to debut with a more potent version of that engine.

It has been out testing in Cabriolet form and shares its new design elements with the hard-top Coupé. 

The Turbo will feature a new front end with vertically oriented active vanes sitting either side of a large central opening, like with the GTS.

All 992.2 models have their full lighting set-up integrated into the main headlight units, for a cleaner look up front. 

These testers features aero-optised wheels, complete with a centre-lock mechanism for reduced unsprung weight. Moreover, Porsche’s ceramic braking system is evident on these cars.

The rear end features a new lower bumper with a large grey plastic insert that incorporates a pair of oblong exhaust finishers on each side. And they help signify the top 911. An active rear wing remains. 

Previous 911 Turbos have run a 3.7-litre engine with twin variable-vane turbochargers. However, the GTS features a new 3.6-litre unit, and this may also turn up in the new Turbo. However, it will likely have a different turbocharger system to the GTS. That has a single large blower aided by a small electric motor in the turbo housing to eliminate lag. The top 911 may continue to run with two variable-vane turbochargers.

Expect a gearbox-mounted e-motor that integrates into the overall system as well. There will likely also be Turbo and Turbo S models, as before. Power output in excess of the current version’s 478kW is assured. 

The all-wheel drive system and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission will likely remain. 

Chassis tech will run to Porsche’s active ride-stabilisation system, ceramic brakes, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and an active front splitter to work in harmony with the large rear wing. 

There is also the possibility of a Touring base model featuring a manual transmission and less of the chassis technology. Expect this to arrive a few months after the 911 Turbo debuts. And that’s expected before year end.