With most of the 992.2 Carrera range and the GT3 models now out, here's what we can expect from the next generation of Turbo models
by Khris Bharath on October 25, 2024, 13:00There’s a special kind of anticipation that comes with a new Porsche 911 Turbo S. While the modern-day Turbo models may not have the visceral soundtrack of a naturally aspirated mill; combining luxury, and performance with everyday usability, is a formula that Porsche has refined since the 1974 original, and the German automaker celebrated 50 years of the Turbo this year.
Now, based on what we’ve seen with the 992.2 Carrera GTS and the more recent, 992.2 GT3 models, the upcoming 2025 992.2 Turbo and Turbo S for the 2026 model year, are shaping up to be quite exciting. As a self-proclaimed Porsche fanatic (and yes, I’ve spent way too much time scouring forums and spy shots), I can’t wait to see what Stuttgart is cooking up in the next chapter of the Turbo story. With a healthy dose of speculation from yours truly, here’s what we know so far.
Subtle Tweaks, Big Impact: The Design Evolution
Gone are the days of dramatic overhauls for each 911 generation. Porsche has mastered the art of subtle evolution, and the 992.2 Turbo seems to follow suit. Based on spy shots of a coupe, cabriolet, and the rumored Turbo Touring model, the mid-cycle refresh reveals glimpses of a familiar silhouette but with sharper details borrowed from the 992.2 Carrera GTS and the recently unveiled 992.2 GT3.
Think revised front with Porsche’s latest four-point LED setup and rear fascias, more aggressive vertical air intakes, and a redesigned rear diffuser for enhanced aerodynamics. The taillights too as seen on the 992.2 GT3 might get a refresh, adding a touch of modern flair without sacrificing the classic 911 look.
The Touring model doesn’t feature a fixed rear wing but instead has an active rear spoiler as seen on the Carrera. You’ll also find center-lock light-weight wheels from the 911 Sport classic on the front axle. How do we know it’s a Turbo Touring model? The spy shots show a patched-up side-air intake.
Inside, expect a more refined take on the current 911 interior. Porsche will likely upgrade the infotainment system, materials, and seating options as well to make it even more luxurious. Think of a fully digital gauge cluster and an overall focus on a more modern and ergonomic driving experience. But the real question is, will there be more customization options? Knowing Porsche, and given the introduction of all-new packages on the GT3 and GT3 Touring, the answer is a resounding yes.
Powertrain Predictions: Here Comes the Hybrid Turbo
The 992.1 Turbo (572 horsepower) and Turbo S (640 horsepower) were already powerhouses, but Porsche isn’t one to rest on its laurels. The biggest clue comes from the recently debuted hybridized 992.2 Carrera GTS that packs a more potent powerplant, hinting at what could be in store for the Turbo and Turbo S.
To give you some context, the 992.1 Turbo S lapped the Nurburgring in 7:18 seconds, a blistering time, but the recently launched 992.2 Carrera GTS hybrid, with its 532 horsepower and electric motor-assisted torque, shattered expectations by clocking in an even quicker time at 7:16.934.
For the upcoming 992.2 Turbo and Turbo S, Porsche will undoubtedly want to go even quicker. The regular Turbo is expected to outpace the GTS hybrid, and the Turbo S should take it a step further. This means the Turbo S could potentially achieve a Nurburgring lap time in the low 7:10s or even quicker, setting a new standard for Porsche’s performance.
Now, I’m still not sure which upcoming Turbo models will embrace the 3.6-liter unit because when we look at the base Carrera, it still features the old 3.0-liter mill without any form of electrification. The Turbo S and Turbo S Touring should most likely ditch the old 3.8-liter mill in favor of the all-new (9A3B6) 3.6L hybrid engine, from the 992.2 Carrera GTS.
The key differentiator, however, will be the output from the electric motor in the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The electric motor will likely be the same unit found in the Carreras GTS, but with more power. I can’t confirm the specifics a this point about the exact power figures, but the 992.2 GTS managed to beat the current 992.1 Turbo around the Nurburgring with lesser power, and it all comes down to torque.
The standard Turbo meanwhile, should likely feature a revised version of the 3.8-liter flat-six with a rear-wheel-drive option in the 992.2 lineup, separating it further from the all-wheel-drive Turbo S. This move caters to those who crave a pure, rear-wheel-drive driving experience.
Speaking of pure, the rumored return of the manual transmission for the Turbo is great news. This could be the new six-speed manual from the 911 GT3, or perhaps even a brand new, power-handling seven-speed unit. The Turbo S will remain all-wheel-drive and PDK-only, further cementing its position as the ultimate performance machine.
I’d like to mention two past models here. The last Turbo-badged 911 to feature a manual was the 997.2. Turbo. Also, 911 Turbos by default come with AWD. The only time that Porsche offered its Turbo-mill with RWD was with the limited-run 911 Sport classic models.
Model | Transmission | Drivetrain |
---|---|---|
992.2 Turbo | Manual | RWD |
992.2 Turbo S Touring | PDK | RWD |
992.2 Turbo S | PDK Only | AWD |
The Road Ahead For the Turbo range
Based on past launch cycles, we can expect the 992.2 Turbo and Turbo S to arrive sometime in 2025, for the 2026 model year. Of course, external factors can always influence the launch date. With its subtle design upgrades, a potentially groundbreaking hybrid powertrain, and cutting-edge technology, the 992.2 Turbo and Turbo S will push the boundaries of performance. This might sound a bit cliché, but I believe that the 911 Turbo range are some of the most usable high-performance, and luxurious 911s on the road today.
And let’s not forget the return of the manual transmission, a true enthusiast’s dream. Current 992.1 Turbo models are priced between 200k-250k, before options and markups. The Carrera saw a modest increase from 116k to 122k, and the GTS saw an increase of about 15k, but the GT3 was quite a big jump from 160k to 222k. So expect the Turbo to have a significant price jump, I suspect a 50k jump over the current Turbo lineup.
Khris Bharath
Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio