For many, talking about the Porsche 911's design is pointless, as the iconic sportscar hasn't changed much in the past decades. However, the facelifted model, expected to start deliveries later this year as a 2025 model, might be easier to distinguish from its older brothers. Our photographers have been busy hunting for the refreshed 911, and we now have pictures of Convertible and Turbo prototypes undergoing testing.
The refreshed Porsche 911 or 992.2, as it is also known in the world of Porsche fans, is set to arrive in the second half of this year with meaningful updates. This includes a design detail that might come as a complete overhaul in the Elfer world, where things change almost imperceptibly. The facelifted model has been spotted by our photographers in various specifications and with minimal camouflage, allowing us to explore the design changes.
The most obvious are the air inlets in the front bumper, which now feature massive vertical louvers. These appear to be active, opening and closing as required for improved aerodynamics and efficiency. Other design modifications are more subtle, with slimmer taillights, redesigned engine cover and rear bumper, as well as a new diffuser. The changes are more evident in the cabin, where a digital instrument cluster will replace the analog gauges. The center console might also receive an update, and more upscale trims and materials are also expected to set the new model further apart from its predecessor.
There will be more changes in the engine compartment if we're to believe the rumors. Porsche will want more order in its powerplant lineup, with a new 3.6-liter engine set to replace several other variants. The new engine will allegedly debut on the 911 GTS as a naturally aspirated boxer with 483 horsepower. Later, it will get a turbo and also retire the 3.8-liter boxer of the Turbo-based models, including the puristic GT2 RS. It won't be long until Porsche will produce detuned variants for the Carrera.
However, the most significant change in the 992.2 lineup is the arrival of electrified powerplants, starting with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup for the 4.0 boxer. One full-hybrid powertrain under the T-HEV moniker is also expected, developed in partnership with Rimac and based on the current 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine. There will likely be at least two T-HEV variants, with the most powerful topping 528 horsepower. The base 3.0-liter engine will soldier on with the 911 Carrera. Although a power upgrade is in store, no electrification is expected on the base model.
The 911 Turbo will likely be among the first 992.2 variants to hit the US market in the year's second half. Unlike the regular 911 variants, the Turbo has its own air-inlet style, which also features horizontal louvers besides the vertical ones. The current model features a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-6 powerplant delivering 572 horsepower. Considering Porsche's habit of upping the power with mid-life updates, expect the power to climb closer to 600 horsepower.
After his childhood dream of becoming a "tractor operator" didn't pan out, Cristian turned to journalism, first in print and later moving to online media. His top interests are electric vehicles and new energy solutions. Full profile
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