Porsche has been snapped testing its updated 992.2-generation 911 again, this time at the Nurburgring.
Although it’s externally very similar to the previous 992.2 mules we’ve previously seen, the car at the Green Hell has a yellow sticker on its rear window indicating it’s a hybrid.
We know Porsche is working on hybrid power for the 911, but what form it’ll take isn’t yet clear.
Although the Cayenne and Panamera are offered with plug-in hybrids, the rear-engined 911 sports car is a bit different.
It’s unlikely to feature PHEV power, and is instead likely to take inspiration from the powertrain in the 919 endurance racer, using electric power to assist rather than shadow the petrol engine.
Packaging a PHEV drivetrain in the 911 is more difficult than in the larger Panamera and Cayenne, given it’s still a relatively compact car and is still overtly focused on driver engagement.
Board member responsible for the 911 and 718 model lines, Frank-Steffen Walliser, has previously told CarExpert the move to hybrid power “could come step-by-step” as Porsche works to meet the next batch of European emissions rules expected to hit in 2026.
That suggests the first move could be to a 48V mild-hybrid system, which allows the engine to switch off at low speeds and provides a power boost when you get a move on.
Mr Walliser says the first challenge is working out how much of a boost any hybrid system would provide to the petrol engine in a 911.
“The question is: With the hybridisation, what is the right level? How much power do you put in?,” Mr Walliser asked.
“This is also not solved. In the automotive industry we see different solutions, and we will see what our solution will be. Hybridisation in general is something we are considering,” he said.
Although it’s still identifiably a 992-generation car, the 992.2 pictured here looks likely to get a new radar pod built into the lower part of its front bumper, and what look like new vertical vanes in the front air vents.
The changes to this car – likely a Carrera or Carrera S – mirror those applied to a Turbo snapped earlier in 2022.
There’s more camouflage on the rear end, and the light bar looks slightly different to that of the current car.
MORE: Everything Porsche 911
