News / 29 May 2024 / Albert du Toit

Facelifted Porsche 911 revealed – South African pricing and specifications

Porsche has unveiled the updated 911 range which includes the brand’s first-ever 911 hybrid.

At launch, the revised sports car is only available in base Carrera and mid-range Carrera GTS trims for a total of seven specifications spanning coupe, cabriolet, and Targa body styles.

The updated 911 range can be ordered immediately, with the South African starting price coming in at R2,477,000.

Everything new

The new T-Hybrid powertrain is currently only reserved for the GTS trim level, combining a newly developed 3.6-litre Boxer engine with an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger and a permanent magnet synchronous motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.

By itself, the combustion motor already produces a heady 357kW and 570Nm, with the electrical assistance boosting the total system output to 398kW and 610Nm.

As a result, the GTS T-Hybrid sprints to 100km/h in 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 312km/h – an improvement of 0.4 seconds and 1km/h over its predecessor.

The suspension of the GTS has also been comprehensively revised and for the first time features rear-axle steering as standard which increases stability at high speeds and reduces the turning circle at low speeds.

Furthermore, Porsche has integrated the Dynamic Chassis Control programme into the high-voltage hybrid system, enabling the use of an electro-hydraulic control system which makes the dampers even more flexible and precise than before.

Meanwhile, the base Carrera employs an upgraded version of the brand’s trusty 3.0-litre, twin-turbo petrol motor.

The entry-level 911 has now adopted the intercooler from the outgoing Turbo models in addition to the turbochargers from the previous GTS.

With these modifications, Porsche simultaneously achieved a reduction in emissions and a power boost to 290kW, up from 283kW, whilst torque remains pegged at 450Nm.

The Carrera now accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds and boasts a top speed of 294km/h. Compared to its predecessor, this represents an improvement of 0.1 seconds and 1km/h, respectively.

Alongside the uprated drivetrains, the new 911 wears a streamlined shell featuring carefully targeted updates that improve the two-door’s aerodynamics.

Among others, this includes updated model-specific bumpers, larger cooling vents, and, for the first time, standard Matrix LED headlights.

On the GTS specifically, the front end incorporates five vertically arranged active cooling air flaps visible from the outside and another hidden flap on each side, which are complemented by adaptive front diffusers in the underbody.

At the back, there is a redesigned LED light strip with an integrated arc and “Porsche” logo that makes the rear end appear deeper and wider than before, alongside a redesigned rear grille with five fins per side.

The number plate also sits slightly higher than before thanks to revised rear bumpers on every new 911, and model-specific exhaust systems are integrated into the diffuser fins.

Again, the Carrera GTS comes standard with an exclusive sports exhaust system.

A total of seven 19-/20-inch or 20-/21-inch wheel designs are also available for the new 911 family.

Opening the doors reveals the first fully digital instrument cluster in the history of the 911, comprising a 12.6-inch curved display behind the steering wheel that offers up to seven different themes.

In addition, the central 10.9-inch screen offers a wider degree of customisability, and below it now sits a cooled compartment for smartphones with an inductive charger.

The cabin has also been redesigned with all the essential control elements being arranged directly on or around the steering wheel, including the driving mode switch, the revised driver assistance lever, and the start button.