A good number of Porsche enthusiasts and automotive enthusiasts, in general, have been eagerly awaiting the electrification of the iconic Porsche 911, and now it seems that the moment is drawing closer. Frank Moser, Vice President for the 911 and 718 model lines, recently shared some exciting news, confirming that a Porsche 911 hybrid is on the horizon, set to make its debut in the middle of the decade. This revelation comes after the 911 successfully eluded hybridization for an extended period.
The upcoming electrified 911, which will be part of the facelifted 992.2 generation, is a performance hybrid. Porsche has been working diligently on its development, with the anticipated debut slated for the next two years. While Moser refrained from divulging specific details about which 911 models would be the first to receive this hybrid technology, the car has been spotted undergoing testing at the challenging Nurburgring circuit.
As per initial speculations, the hybrid 911 could potentially find its place above the 911 Turbo S in the lineup. This positioning hints at impressive performance figures, with expectations of over 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Notably, this hybrid model won’t adopt a plug-in hybrid configuration, despite the industry trend towards electrification.
For the Porsche purists who might be concerned about these changes, it’s essential to note that there are no immediate plans for a fully electric Porsche 911. The company is acutely aware of the continued demand for gasoline-powered sports cars, and they remain committed to catering to the needs and preferences of their customer base.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, a company official, reiterated Porsche’s strategy, emphasizing that while the brand is indeed making significant strides in electrification, they are simultaneously mindful of market dynamics and customer desires. This balanced approach aims to cater to both traditionalists and those embracing electric power.
Regarding the prospects of a fully electric Porsche 911, the automaker has projected that it’s at least a decade away. Current technology limitations, particularly concerning battery technology and platform constraints, are the primary hindrances. Battery weight and the limited space available on the 911’s platform pose significant challenges that must be overcome before a fully electric 911 can become a reality.
Source: MotorTrend
