992.2 GTS: Is The 3.6-Liter T-Hybrid 911 Worth The Criticism?
While it brings electrification to a production 911 for the first time, here are some pros and cons of the T-Hybrid system
The 911 GTS traces its origins back to the mid-2000s and was first introduced with the 997 generation
Within the 911 lineup, the GTS symbolizes a balance between Carrera usability and GT3 performance
The latest Porsche 992.2 GTS has sparked debate due to its hybrid powertrain, with some viewing it as a betrayal of the GTS badge and others as a leap into the future
The 992.2 GTS debuts a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged hybrid powertrain called the T-Hybrid system, integrating a mild hybrid with an e-motor for a combined 532 horsepower
There are some fundamental differences between Porsche's T-Hybrid and E-Hybrid systems
Unlike the E-Hybrid that gives you the flexibility of an EV mode, the T-Hybrid system prioritizes performance
In place of a turbocharger, you now get an e-motor that eliminates turbo lag and boosts efficiency. It also acts as a generator recuperating energy into a 1.9 kWh battery pack
There's a second electric motor inside the 8-speed PDK that delivers 54 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque, drawing power from that high-voltage battery pack
This hybrid system enhances performance with minimal weight gain, adding just over 100 pounds compared to the non-hybrid 911 GTS
With a time of 7:16, The hybrid GTS has outperformed the non-hybrid 992.1 Turbo S on the Nürburgring by one second, showcasing its performance potential
Critics claim the 992.2 GTS sacrifices traditional 911 characteristics, and an analog feel, for technological advancements
Tuning possibilities are limited due to the complexity of the hybrid system and the lack of a wastegate, reducing customization potential compared to earlier models. Another issue is a slightly different sound profile compared to the old twin-turbo setup
Purists lament the lack of a manual transmission, as the e-motor integration in the PDK transmission eliminates this option
Design changes, such as vertical active vents, have been called conservative, and the interior now features an all-digital dash, and the omission of the Le Mans Style shifter for a start/stop button
Starting at $164,000, the 992.2 GTS is $14,000 more expensive than the outgoing model
But it’s not all bad news. Reviews from outlets like Evo and Car and Driver praise the 992.2 GTS for its usability and breadth of abilities
So, where does the 992.2 GTS fit in? It’s heavier, more expensive, and arguably less emotive than its predecessors.
The hybrid system is polarizing, no doubt, and its long-term reliability remains an open question.