When it comes to the Porsche 911, there’s usually nothing all that surprising about it - engine in the back, familiar fascia up front, and a steering wheel somewhere in between. However, with the up-and-coming 992-generation 911, Porsche might be changing the formula in a big way.
Continue reading for the full story.
The Full Story
Porsche 911 enthusiasts are a finicky bunch. They know what they like, and any major changes to the iconic German sports car are usually met with disdain and contempt. Even something as simple as an upgrade from air cooling and manual steering is subject to nearly unending scrutiny.
But as they say, time waits for no one, and even Stuttgart’s finest must bend to the pressures of modernity.
As such, it’s rumored that the first-ever hybrid 911 is on the way. Destined for a release with the latest 992-era of the nameplate next year, Auto Express is reporting that there will be no less than two new 911 plug-in variants for the 2020 model year.
The first of these is believed to be a mid-range model option for the standard Carrera, while the other would be a range-topper slotting in as a possible alternative to the venerable 911 Turbo.
Of course, going EV with the 911 is no simple matter, and the outlet is also reporting that a “passionate debate” is currently underway among Porsche’s engineers and top brass regarding the creation of a such a vehicle. However, citing one unidentified insider source, Auto Express says the 911’s future underpinnings are already “fully developed to accept a hybrid powertrain.”
“But it’s the potential for Porsche to add a second, more powerful hybrid 911, to sit alongside the Turbo and Turbo S right at the top of the range, that’s causing the most consternation behind closed doors, our sources claim,” Auto Express reports.
Thankfully, Porsche will continue to offer the hardcore performance folks exactly what they want with models like the GT3 and GT2, both of which will continue to focus on low weight, high revs, and a simplistic track-burning experience behind the wheel.
What’s more, the addition of a hybrid 911 will expand the range, rather than shrink it. At the outset, the hybrid 911 will likely use a turbocharged 3.0-liter powerplant with 100-kW hybrid assistance, all of which is inspired by the Cayenne E-Hybrid.
However, while the Cayenne uses a V-6 for the drinking of the dino juice, the 911 will stick with a flat-six unit, all in the name of maintaining that classic 911 sound and power delivery character.
The whole shebang will connect to the pavement through a dual-clutch PDK transmission and high-spec AWD system. Performance numbers should include a run from 0 to 62 mph under the 4-second marker for the mid-range model, as well as a top speed over 180 mph.
The pros and cons of a hybrid setup are many and varied. While electrification would certainly make for a sizable low-end torque boost, and the AWD would help it all grip and handle in a more accessible fashion, the experience would likely be considered far too diluted for the purists. What’s more, Auto Express mentions a hefty 250 kg (551-pound) weight penalty when going hybrid, which would dampen the handling even further.
The thing is, a hybrid 911 almost seems inevitable at this point, what with VW’s heavy focus on electrification, not to mention upcoming Porsche models like the Mission E.
The public’s reaction, however, remains to be seen. That said, if the hybrid 911 outsells its non-hybrid counterparts in any significant way, it’s highly likely the non-hybrid models could see a hasty exit in the next several years.
Auto Express0}
Auto Express
Auto Express
Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Porsche 911.