New hybrid generation of the 911 Turbo S debuts with more power, electric turbos and even more extreme performance on the track and on the road
There was always anticipation about how Porsche would approach the era of hybridization. The answer came with the 992.2 Turbo S T-Hybrid. It is not a conventional hybrid and the German manufacturer has its reasons. For starters, the displacement decreased from 3.8 L (992.1) to 3.6 L and the power rose to no less than 711 hp (the most powerful to date). Torque went to an impressive 81,6 kgfm. Now there are two electric turbos (previously just one) compact and light. There is also a third 82 hp and 19,2 kgfm electric motor between the engine and the two-clutch automatic gearbox (PDK). A small 1.9 kWh water-cooled battery is also added to the front.
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One change was the unprecedented reduction of the top speed from 330 km/h to 320 km/h, as it would force the tire pressure to increase and reduce ride comfort. The new Turbo S renewed the lap record at the Nürburgring (20.8 km north circuit) by 14 seconds less even with an extra 85 kg. The 400 V electrical system does not save fuel, but increases the dynamic control of the chassis. Aerodynamic coefficient has been reduced by 10%.
First contact behind the wheel, at the Velocitta Autodromo (Mogi Guaçu – SP), exceeded expectations. A track with short straights, quite demanding for the brakes and challenging corners. For starters, the acceleration is impressive: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 s and, believe me, a tenth of a second faster than an F-1. Braking capacity surpasses practically all other sports cars: from 100 km/h to zero between 29 m and 31 m, according to the average of specialized magazines. Neutral behavior in curves is another feature that stands out, in addition to the unique sound of the exhaust.
Ferry Porsche often says that “the best Porsche is always the next one”. There is no reason to doubt it.
Volvo’s electric model stands out, right from the start, for its exuberant performance. It was to be expected, as the two engines add up to 428 hp, in addition to the combined torque reaching 55 kgfm. Despite being an SUV, its height is not far from a hatchback, but style is one of its qualities both seen from the front, from the back and in profile.
Dimensions (mm): length, 4.310; wheelbase, 2,620; width, 1,770; height, 1,655. Volumes (L): trunk, 391 (front, 7); Mass: 1,850 kg. Battery (kW⋅h): 69. Electric motors: power, 272 hp (rear) and 156 (front); torque, 35 kgfm (rear) and 20 kgfm (front). Range (Inmetro km, city/highway): 403/371. On-demand 4×4 traction. Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (s): 3.6.
The card-type key is not so practical to carry (easy to lose) and open the doors. It still needs to be placed on the induction charger to energize the motors. Without an instrument panel, everything is concentrated on the 12.3-inch vertical multimedia screen. To read the speed you have to look away. Adjusting the side mirrors and opening the glove compartment lid, all through the screen (“Tesla’s invention”). Legroom and headroom in the rear seat is not so good, including the high floor due to the battery.
Due to the performance offered, the suspensions could be a little firmer, although without compromising. On highways, especially, the sun bothers because the transparent roof does not have a curtain. The entire package of advanced safety driver assistance systems (ADAS), a tradition of the Swedish brand, controlled by China’s Geely since 2010, is present. Lane keeping system works discreetly.
Price: R$ 309.950.
