Porsche is working on an update for the current 992-generation 911 range, and the latest prototype to be spotted is for the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Referred to internally as the 992.2 generation, the updated range should get mild styling tweaks, a revised dash, and a hybrid option for some models.
The prototype for the Carrera Cabriolet shows new front intakes with vertical shutters, new internals for the headlights, and a revised taillight design.
The rear is much more heavily camouflaged compared to the front. However, we can see that the exhaust tips are also mounted closer to the center of the rear fascia than on the current Carrera. This backs rumors a new engine might be introduced with this update, specifically a bigger, naturally aspirated unit like Porsche’s 4.0-liter flat-6 offered in the 718 range, which starts at 394 hp. The current Carrera comes with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-6 with outputs that start at 379 hp.
There is some substance to the rumors. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Porsche’s chief engineer for the 911, said in a 2020 interview that new emissions regulations planned for Europe around the middle of the decade will spur bigger engines to return in favor of downsized units. The new rules are apparently aimed at matching lab-tested fuel economy with real-world figures.
2024 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet facelift spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf
As mentioned above, hybrid technology will be introduced to the 911 with this update. We know the 911 Turbo will receive a hybrid option, likely in the range-topping Turbo S grade.
Carrera prototypes have also been testing with hybrid power. It’s likely a hybrid option in the Carrera range will be limited to the range-topping Carrera GTS grade.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume in 2022 said the 911’s hybrid setup will be along the lines of the system in the former 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, and not a plug-in hybrid system like in the 918 Spyder hypercar. That means there won’t be a plug, and any electric motor-generator(s) will purely be used to support the internal-combustion engine and recover energy under braking.
According to our photographer, the interior of this prototype was also covered, suggesting some changes will probably be made to the dash. An updated infotainment system is a strong possibility, and we could also see a redesign for the dual-clutch automatic’s current gear lever, which resembles an electric shaver.
The first members of the updated 992-generation 911 range should appear in late 2023 or early the following year, meaning they’ll likely arrive as 2024 models.
