Porsche 911 Turbo Finally Goes Hybrid

As reported in a recent article, Porsche has announced that production of the next-generation 911 Turbo will begin next year.
What’s noteworthy is that the hybrid technology already featured in the updated 911 Carrera GTS will also be adopted in this new 911 Turbo.

According to Porsche’s Deputy CEO and CFO, Lutz Meschke, speaking to Carscoops, production of the updated 992.2 generation 911 Turbo is scheduled to start in late 2025. Meschke mentioned that the new model will be equipped with “Varta cells,” hinting at its hybrid nature.

The 992.2 generation, unveiled in May, marked the first time a hybrid system was installed in the 911 Carrera GTS. This system consists of a 40kW/150Nm electric motor integrated into the transmission and a 1.9kWh battery pack made by Germany’s Varta.

Interestingly, Porsche invested €30 million (about 4.95 billion yen) this year to rescue Varta from bankruptcy and acquired a majority stake in Varta’s V4Drive subsidiary in August. The large lithium-ion cells from V4Drive are used in the Carrera GTS’s hybrid drivetrain.

Will the 911 Turbo’s Performance Improve Further?

In the 911 Carrera GTS, the hybridized 3.6-liter flat-six engine is paired with a large single turbocharger (which includes a unique electric motor between the compressor and turbine wheels), producing a combined output of 397kW and 609Nm of torque.

These figures slightly trail the pre-update 992.1 generation 911 Turbo’s performance (which had a twin-turbo 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine delivering 427kW and 750Nm). However, according to Carscoops, the 2026 model 911 Turbo is expected to feature an enhanced version of the GTS powertrain, with the base model potentially delivering around 450kW.

A Wave of Change for the Naturally Aspirated GT3 Engine? Turbocharging Possible in Two Years

While the 911 Turbo moves toward hybridization, the traditionally naturally aspirated 911 GT3 may also face significant changes.

According to Autocar, Porsche GT Director Andreas Preuninger stated that the production lifespan of the 375kW 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine used in the GT3 is limited to about two more years due to the challenges of meeting increasingly strict emissions regulations.

Preuninger said, “If it weren’t for the laws, this engine could live forever,” adding, “To comply with Euro 7 regulations, electrification or turbocharging will be necessary. As it stands, we can sell this car for about two more years, but it depends on the market.”

This 4.0-liter engine has been used in the GT3 since 2018 and has appeared in various output configurations in other 911 models and some 718 models. With the Euro 7 emissions standards coming into effect in 2026, it’s highly likely this engine will reach the end of its current form.

The Future of the GT3 – Hybrid or Turbo?

Like the 911 Turbo, the solution to the GT3’s challenges might be found in the new Carrera GTS. It’s also possible that a refined version of that hybrid powertrain could be adopted.

However, Preuninger points out the different purposes of the two models and insists that distinct powertrain setups are necessary. “It’s a fantastic setup for the GTS. It might be as fast as the GT3 in a straight line, or even quicker off the line. But to me, that doesn’t matter. For the GT3, straights are just the connectors between corners,” he said.

The GT3 has never been turbocharged before, but it has historically served as the base for the flagship 911 models, the GT2 and GT2 RS. Porsche is reportedly planning to unveil the 992 generation GT2 RS within the next few months, a high-performance model that always appears in the final phase of the 911’s lifecycle before a new generation arrives.

The evolution of the Porsche 911 continues steadily, balancing tradition and innovation. With the introduction of hybrid technology and the possibility of turbocharging, the 911 is entering a major transformation period. Yet, its essence as a sports car will never be lost. I’m eager to see how current and future Porsche owners will perceive the ongoing evolution of the 911.