The Porsche 992.2 configurator is live, revealing a hybrid powertrain, design tweaks, and a hefty price hike. Will enthusiasts embrace the electrified future of the iconic 911?
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The Porsche 992.2 configurator is now live, and the prices are indeed high. The base price of the 992.2 Carrera S starts at $133,400, which is a $14,500 increase over the 992.1 Carrera S. The price of the Carrera 4S starts at $138,900, which is a $15,500 increase over the 992.1 Carrera 4S and that's before the crazy wait times, dealer markups and extensive options lists start to take this further north.
As expected, the new 992.2 models also have a number of new features, including the highlight, which is a new hybrid powertrain, a redesigned exterior, and an updated interior. The hybrid powertrain is available on all Carrera and Carrera 4 models, and it consists of an all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine and an electric motor. The electric motor adds 134 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque to the car, which brings the total output to 480 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque.
The redesigned exterior features a new front bumper with five vertical louvers, a new rear bumper with an extended lower lip, and new five-dot headlights. The updated interior features a new steering wheel, a new instrument cluster, and a new infotainment system.
The new 992.2 models are expected to go on sale later this year.
Here are some of the comments from the Rennlist forum about the new 992.2 models:
- "Prices are getting crazier. I bought my 2023 Carrera Cab with a base of $118,900. The price now starts at $133,400! Only 0.1 seconds improvement 0-60, 1 mph increased top speed, and 9 more horsepower. Is demand that high that they can get away with this??"
- "Charging for paint that was $0 is…something. I think the last few years finally gave the pricing guy at Porsche a kick in the rear and he realized he can charge a lot more."
- "For now, yes. Fake scarcity is being moderately well played by VW. The factory wants their pound of flesh. VW is not doing well, and Porsche is an excellent cash cow."
Overall, the new 992.2 models are a significant update over the 992.1 models, but they come at a significant price premium.
Evolution, Not Revolution: Design Tweaks and Tech Upgrades
While the 992.2 isn't a ground-up redesign, it does sport some subtle yet significant changes. The front fascia gets a more aggressive lower air intake with active vertical louvers, while the rear bumper is more sculpted, improving downforce on certain models. New five-dot headlights, redesigned taillights, and illuminated Porsche lettering add a touch of modernity.
Inside, the cabin sees a the introduction of a new steering wheel, a fully digital instrument cluster, and an updated infotainment system. The new PCM system is a welcome change. Many owners didn't like the old system because it had started to feel dated and wasn't the best user experience give the 911 range's price tag.
As is the case with most hardcore Porsche purists, some people are not happy with the changes made to the new 911. They are disappointed that the traditional analog rev counter has been replaced with a modern all-digital gauge cluster. This change is seen as a symbolic departure from the 911's heritage. Additionally, the absence of a manual transmission option in the standard 992.2 lineup has upset some fans although the PDKs was the most popular option for regular 992.1 cars. They hope that manual gearboxes will be offered in future GT and special edition models. The lack of a stick shift in the everyday Carrera and Carrera S variants has left some enthusiasts feeling let down.
In the words of one Rennlist forum user, "No manual option in the standard lineup is a huge bummer for those of us who love the driving experience."
The Hybrid Elephant in the Room
Of course, the most significant change for the 992.2 is the introduction of the hybrid powertrain. While this move towards electrification is a necessity in the face of tightening emissions regulations, it has sparked debate among Porsche faithful. Some are excited about the potential performance boost, while others worry that it might dilute the pure driving experience that has defined the 911 for decades.
Despite the controversy, early reports suggest that the hybrid 911 is no slouch. It reportedly lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife 8.7 seconds faster than the current 992 Carrera 4 GTS, hinting at its impressive performance potential.
As expected, the 992.2 comes with a steeper price tag than its predecessor. The base Carrera now starts at $122,095, while the Carrera 4 GTS commands a cool $174,695. That's a significant jump from the 992.1, with increases ranging from $6,045 for the base Carrera to a whopping $22,145 for the top-tier GTS depending on region and of course dealer markups. Some might argue that the added performance and standard features justify the price hike, but for budget-minded enthusiasts, it's undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow.
As one Rennlist user put it, "Porsche is testing the limits of what people are willing to pay for a 911."
The prices for 992.1 models in the used market have recently gone up, possibly due to speculation about the hybrid update and the gap in Porsche's lineup till the 992.2 cars actually start to be delivered. This increase might be temporary, but expect to pay a premium from used, low-milage examples of the 992.2 cars in the near future.
While the configurator is live, don't expect to see a 992.2 in your driveway anytime soon. Deliveries aren't expected to begin until later this year, with some sources suggesting that early buyers might face long wait times and the dreadful dealer markups which have now become a staple for modern 911s. This has led to heated discussions in Porsche forums, with some potential buyers contemplating whether to jump on the 992.2 bandwagon early or wait for the market to stabilize or even consider used options as 992.1 cars seem to have stopped production according to Porsche's official website.
The Road Ahead for the 992.2
The 992.2, the latest version of the 911, has received varied feedback due to its high cost, some seem okay with paying the price and are happy to blame the price rise on inflation, while others seem to be having some trouble stomaching this price rise. Regardless, the 922.2 is expected to be an important part of the 911's history. The addition of hybrid technology is perhaps the biggest talking point and has sparked some debate, but it is seen as a necessary move towards making the classic sports car more future-proof. It's also just the beginning, as we can look forward to several new versions in the future, including the highly anticipated GT3 and GT3 RS models. There's uncertainty about whether these high-performance versions will continue to use traditional engines or incorporate some form of electric power. One thing is clear: the 992.2 signifies yet another turning point for the Porsche 911, and the future is likely to bring both excitement and controversy.
Image Source: Porsche Official
Author Bio
Bhavik Sreenath is an automotive expert, writer, and founder of Motolog Studio. With a Master's in Automotive Journalism and experience in publications like Bodyshop Magazine, he delivers compelling stories about the cars we love. From designing magazine layouts to reporting on eco-conscious practices, he brings a multifaceted perspective to automotive writing. His experience in Automotive Journalism makes him a vocal voice for car enthusiasts and industry insiders. Follow Bhavik on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, to stay in touch and up-to-date with the latest EV and battery development news.
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