Tuesday 19th October 2010

Porsche: All Our Cars Will Get Hybrid Option

Hybrids and engine downsizing are realities for future Porsches

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Porsche will make widespread use of hybrid technology in its struggle to meet increasingly stringent CO2 and general emissions regulations - and it isn't afraid to downsize, either.

"In the future, we will have hybrid drive in every model line," development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer told industry publication Automotive News.

First up will be the Cayenne and Panamera, which is relatively easy, technologically speaking - a front-engined layout and auto gearbox with an electric motor sandwich between them - but mid- and rear-engined Porsches will be more tricky.

Fortunately the 918 Spyder will help here. "We want to learn how we can electrify all our sports cars in the future with the help of this short production run," says Duerheimer.

As for downsizing engines, Duerheimer says Porsche is prepared for it, but that the company won't compromise pace. "If the CO2 guidelines require it, then our engines will become smaller and may have just four cylinders. The important thing is that the performance has to be right. The 911 must always be on the cutting edge."

[steveb8189]

That 918 spyder looks amazing but how come the wheels look clear??

IMO it's great to give the option for hybrid - especially if it means we don't see any more of the Cygnet-esque monstrosities just for the sake of average emissions.

[Bill]

I've read that twice now, but you seem to have left out the bit where he says "when hell freezes over"...

[soad]

Just four cylinders?! Well, that is no longer a 911 then.

[sleep envy]

soad said:

Just four cylinders?! Well, that is no longer a 911 then.

give them a chance to bring back the 912 badge

[bob1179]

soad said:

Just four cylinders?! Well, that is no longer a 911 then.

New Porsche 912?

[Kamox]

The comeback of the 968 turbo!
My 987S will appreciate over time like a 993!

[sleep envy]

Kamox said:

My 987S will appreciate over time like a 993!

I think your crystal ball is on the blink

[powerhungry]

got have at least 6 cylinders all this eco electric thing depresses me the 918 is stunning and i think the right mix of eco and petrol its spot on. but really here is the new 911 with its 350bhp 1.4 tsi engine and washing machine motors nice . will come a time when the older cars will be so sort after for the heritage of being great sounding flat six monsters

[Leicesterdave]

Shame about the 4 pot bit!

[jake15919]

Following the Porsche tradition of 'less is more' will the four cost more than the six?

[amc1973]

The day that there is a four cylinder 911, I will buy a hat and then eat it.

[Popolou]

".......with the help of this short production run"

Get in there...

Pops

[DeadMeat_UK]

This place is like the Tory party conference sometimes the lack of open-mindedness going on.

[Nickellarse]

Porsche will deliver this, because they have to.

In doing so they will push the envelope and produce something which makes us all (well, those who love Porsche) want it bad.

[collateral]

I can see it working on the AWD versions - isn't there a Pug with petrol powered front wheels and electric on the back? Just do the opposite, with 4 cylinders for the back and the electric equivalent of 2 cylinders powering the front wheels

[kambites]

Nickellarse said:

In doing so they will push the envelope and produce something which makes us all (well, those who love Porsche) want it bad.

The question, though, is whether it'll make those who buy cars on their merits rather than their badge, walk away in disgust. We shall see.

[Luca Brasi]

Well, we're going to run out of petrol one day so they have to come up with something to replace it. Sad but true, I was born too late and missed out on all the fun

[Webber3]

Financially hybrid doesn't even make sense for the Cayenne let alone the rest of the range.

[BigTaf]

NO NO NO

[burman]

How many Teslas do you see on the road? £90k for a leccy elise is hardly good value for money, the car makers may be forced down this road ,but the consumer has the choice of what to buy, and there will be tears at bedtime untill there is a MASSIVE breakthrough in battery tech, and all those nuclear power stations are built in 20 years time.