The revered Porsche 911 is set to embrace hybrid technology sooner than anticipated, marking a significant milestone in its storied lineage. According to company executives, the iconic sports car is geared for hybridisation, with a debut planned for the middle of the decade or as soon as 2025.
Frank Moser, Vice President for the 911 and 718 model lines, shared with MotorTrend about the facelifted 992.2, set to be unveiled in the next two years. "We have developed the hybrid, a performance hybrid of the 911, and that's about in the middle of the decade - the next generation of the 992," Moser disclosed.
Hesitant to divulge further, Moser did not reveal which 911 models would receive the hybrid tech first. The hybrid variant has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring on several occasions. Speculations suggest it may be positioned above the 911 Turbo S, although this remains unconfirmed.
If the rumours hold, we might see a hybrid beast boasting over 500kW and 800Nm of torque. Unlike the trajectory towards plug-in hybrids (PHEV), the hybrid 911 will diverge, not adopting a plug-in setup even as Porsche electrifies its lineup. Traditional enthusiasts might find this change hard to accept, yet a fully electric 911 isn't on the immediate horizon.
Previously, a Porsche official highlighted the enduring demand for petrol-driven sports cars. "We have a bold strategy for electric cars, and we are [taking] bold steps, big steps with electrification. But we also must look at the market and customer needs," said Frank-Steffen Walliser.
An all-electric 911 is earmarked for a much later date due to current tech limitations. The challenges of battery weight and platform space are paramount. Michael Steiner, Porsche's board member for development, affirmed that "the 911 will be, definitely, if at all, the last [Porsche] that will be electrified."
The 718 Boxster/Cayman lines are also heading towards full electrification with a new model. This upcoming electric variant will accompany the existing ICE-powered models, catering to enthusiasts not yet ready for an all-electric sports car.