WARP NINE

ALL PRE-PRODUCTION Porsches are, as a rule, painted solid black, only casually camouflaged with black tape, and they have all-black interiors with optional soft-shell black disguise pads here and there. This monochromatic stealth car would look perfectly inconspicuous if it wasn’t for the four eye-catching, snow-white Caution! Experimental vehicle! stickers, which in Germany are mandatory in this era of battery-powered cars and potential electric shocks.

Although electrocution is not a risk when laying hands on the new top-of-the-line 992, the warning messages inadvertently distract spies from the changes made to the latest Turbo S. Most significant are the redesigned rear apron-diffuser that accommodates the trademark four trapezoid endpipes; flush, multi-spoke lightweight wheels; bigger and slipperier side air intakes; slimmer and wider DRLs; restyled bumpers and a more elaborate ground-effect wingwork.

The 992 was developed under August Achleitner and his team, and contrary to popular expectations, the only battery installed in the new 911 Turbo drives the starter motor and supports the alternator – there is no mild hybrid, let alone a boost-effect 48V system.

“The benefits of partial electrification