Porsche is working on an update for the current 911 generation of the 992 generation, and the latest prototype to be seen is for the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Dubbed the 992.2 generation internally, the updated range was expected to feature slight styling tweaks, a revised dashboard and a hybrid option for some launched models.
The prototype for the Carrera Cabriolet shows new front intakes with vertical blinds, new fixtures for the headlights and a revised taillight design.
The rear is much more camouflaged than the front. However, we can see that the tailpipes are also placed closer to the center of the rear fascia than on the current Carrera. This supports rumors that we could see a new engine with this update, specifically a larger, naturally aspirated engine like Porsche’s 4.0-litre flat-6 offered in the 718 range, rated at 394bhp begins. The current Carrera is equipped with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder biturbo with output starting at 379 hp.
There’s something to the rumours. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Porsche’s chief engineer for the 911, said in an interview for 2020 that new emissions regulations planned for Europe around mid-decade will see bigger engines return in favor of downsized units. The new rules appear to aim to bring lab-tested fuel economy in line with real-world figures.
2024 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet facelift spy footage – Copyright: Baldauf
As mentioned above, this update introduces hybrid technology to the 911. The 911 Turbo is known to get a hybrid option, likely in the top-of-the-range Turbo S.
Carrera prototypes with hybrid drive were also tested. It’s likely that a hybrid option in the Carrera range will be limited to the top-of-the-line Carrera GTS.
Porsche boss Oliver Blume said in 2022 that the hybrid setup of the 911 will be modeled after the former LMP1 racer 919 Hybrid and not a plug-in hybrid setup like the hypercar 918 Spyder. This means there is no plug and all electric motor generators are used solely to assist the combustion engine and recover energy when braking.
According to our photographer, the interior of this prototype has also been covered, suggesting we’ll likely see some dashboard changes. An updated infotainment system is a strong possibility, and we could also see the current dual-clutch automatic shifter, which resembles an electric razor, redesigned.
The first members of the updated 911 generation of the 992 generation should appear in late 2023 or early the following year, meaning we’ll likely see them arrive as 2024 models.