The history of the driving technology of the Porsche 911 is a fascinating story of continuous innovation and unique tradition. Today, the story reaches a new climax with the 992 generation adopting a high-performance partially electrified hybrid powertrain system.
Over 60 years of development, the 911’s driving system has made significant progress: while the basic design remains unchanged, the engine displacement has doubled, and the power has increased fourfold. Thomas Krickelberg, the head of operations for the 911/718 series, stated, „The potential for expansion and modification of the six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine has repeatedly brought us surprises.“ The future vehicles will utilize electronic exhaust gas turbochargers to reduce emissions while gaining more powerful performance. It is truly remarkable that this foundational design can continue to achieve new breakthroughs after more than sixty years.
The first horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine by Porsche, known as the Metzger engine, was introduced in 1963 with the 901 model, later renamed the iconic 911. The engine had a displacement of 2 liters and a maximum power of 96 kW (130 hp). Albrecht Reustle, a Porsche engine design expert, described the engine as „precisely designed, lightweight, and high-performance.“ The engine’s legacy continues to this day, staying true to its standards.
The introduction of turbocharging technology in the 911 in 1974 with the 930 generation marked a significant milestone. The 930 model had an output power of 191 kW (260 hp) and was ahead of its competitors in terms of performance and efficiency. The turbocharging technology revolutionized the entire internal combustion engine design and met stringent emission regulations from the start.
In the late 1990s, the fifth-generation 911 (996) transitioned from air-cooled to water-cooled six-cylinder horizontally opposed engines. This change was necessary to improve performance, reduce fuel consumption, and meet emission and noise regulations. The transition was a success, despite initial debates and challenges.
In 2006, the 911 Turbo (997 generation) saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) technology. This innovative technology allowed for increased power and torque, enhancing the overall performance of the vehicle.
In 2015, the 991 generation of the 911 introduced a new generation of turbocharged engines, reducing displacement while increasing efficiency and power. This marked another milestone in the evolution of the 911’s driving technology.
With the upgrade of the new generation 911 (992) in 2024, Porsche designers achieved a new breakthrough by optimizing the design of the six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine with a high-performance hybrid powertrain system. The new 911 Carrera GTS became the first road-going 911 to feature a lightweight high-performance hybrid powertrain system, significantly improving engine efficiency, acceleration performance, and preparing for future emission standards.
The core of this new technology is the electronic exhaust gas turbocharger, which features an electric motor between the turbo and compressor driven by exhaust gases. This motor can quickly reach high speeds during acceleration, generating high boost pressure without delay. This technology allows for excellent responsiveness and performance comparable to pure electric vehicles.
The electronic turbocharger eliminates the need for a wastegate, a first in the global automotive industry. This innovation allows for energy recovery from the turbocharger, improving engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
The combination of turbocharging technology with hybrid power, energy recovery, reduced internal engine friction, optimized cooling, and a redesigned combustion chamber ensures that the vehicle meets future emission and regulatory standards while meeting the growing demand for performance and efficiency. The six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine of the 911 remains the compact yet powerful heart of this iconic sports car, embodying the innovative spirit of Hans Mezger’s original 911 engine.