2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Review: A Spirited Hybrid with an Attitude Issue

      Jerry Perez

      The latest automotive news and reviews, straight to the point.

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most important stories directly to you every weekday.

      If you were blindfolded and taken to an unknown car, and somehow managed to drive it without incident, could you identify its make and model? Please avoid driving blindfolded like Ricky Bobby (or with a mountain lion as a passenger); I simply want to know if you've ever operated a car that had such a distinctive character that you could easily tell it apart from all the others on the road. I have, on several occasions, most notably with the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.

      The 992.2-gen GTS receives a striking update for 2025, but the most notable and apparent change is found in the engine compartment. Between the completely new 3.6-liter gasoline engine and the transaxle is a 40-kW electric motor, which contributes 53 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque to the impressive single-turbo flat-six. In total, the 911 GTS delivers a substantial 533 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. For my test model, all that power was directed to the rear wheels only.

      For any sports car, those figures would typically garner praise—though it seems that even the most basic electric SUVs now exceed those numbers. However, this 911 is not just about the numbers, or at least not entirely. Like all Porsches, it’s about the experience, about sensing what the car you’re driving is doing and communicating. As much as I dislike clichés, a car of this caliber is about harmonizing with it and enhancing each other's strengths; you maximize the car’s capabilities, and the car brings out every bit of driving skill you possess. Ideally, neither party oversteps the boundaries.

      Experiencing the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

      When our former reviews editor, Chris Tsui, tested the new GTS last summer, he cleverly noted that its excellence lies in how it doesn’t truly behave like a hybrid. After driving a Targa version in Germany earlier this year, we concluded that this new T-Hybrid drivetrain is finely tuned for performance (rather than fuel efficiency, as is the case with many hybrids), adding a whole new dimension of strengths rather than deficiencies. It lacks an electric-only driving mode—because that isn’t the essence of this car. It’s almost as if the car wasn’t told it’s a hybrid; it was simply informed, “There’s a battery in you, and you can use its power to enhance your speed.” And it does just that.

      During my week-long evaluation, I became captivated by the GTS’s intricacies, especially its startup procedure. Getting inside feels special, and remarkably comfortable even for someone of an XXL size. Yes, there’s now a Start Engine button replacing the faux key, and the gauges have transitioned to a screen, yet there remains an emotional aspect to igniting that flat-six engine. And it certainly delivers a thrilling sound.

      When I drove the base 911 and 911 S in April, I thoroughly enjoyed the sounds they made when pushed hard on winding roads. They were velvety, not raspy, and could get quite high-pitched upon aggressive downshifts. The GTS, however, is different; I was unprepared for how muscular the engine sounds. Accelerating hard to command both the battery and gasoline engine to unleash their full potential resulted in a burst of deep, resonant soundwaves flooding the cabin, with each upshift providing a refined yet powerful jolt. I was surprised by just how brawny the GTS felt beneath its typical Porsche luxury and sophistication. It’s downright raucous.

      Compared to the 911 and 911 S, the GTS is significantly more powerful, not only in terms of horsepower. Its demeanor is far more performance-oriented, and while I could still enjoy a leisurely drive at lower speeds, it’s much more inclined to encourage spirited driving than its less powerful counterparts. The steering and suspension work in harmony to direct the vehicle precisely where you want it—not a fraction off but exactly as intended. The throttle response is incredibly precise, and honestly, it doesn’t feel like a hybrid at all. It’s that impressive, that in sync.

      Reflecting on the exploration of each other’s capabilities without exceeding limits: it's easy to go beyond when 533 hp is channeled to the rear wheels, even with the 21-inch center-lock wheels fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R tires. Despite Porsche’s exceptional driving aids, caution is necessary with the throttle or be prepared for a little slide, and you should stay alert for dirt or debris on winding roads, as that can impact traction. Trust me; I’ve learned this firsthand.

      My test vehicle was equipped with the upgraded Porsche Ceramic Composite brakes, which, like everything else in the GTS,