It always makes us cackle when someone raises an eyebrow at the prospect of a hybrid powertrain in a performance car. Depending on the design, many electric motors are theoretically capable of nearly peak torque from zero RPM, and if the Tesla Model S P85D proves anything, it’s that the theory is worth its weight in gold.
So when we read that a Porsche 911 hybrid may be coming in 2018 when the next generation is due, we were rather unsurprised.
When asked about a possible Porsche 911 hybrid, Porsche CEO Matthias Muller responded, “of course, why not?” He added, “We are negotiating that, and we will see. Maybe in the next generation – there is no reason against it and we will see if we have some reasons to do it.”
The only two “reasons to do it” are for 1) reduced CO2 emissions, and 2) better performance. While the average person might likely have the assumption that lower emissions are the only reasons to make a Porsche 911 hybrid, we find performance to be a much more compelling reason. As Muller says, “As we have proved in the 918 Spyder… it can work.”
A large portion of Porsche’s range will see hybrid powertrains in the future, and the marque may even extend the option to its every offering. Seeing as Dr. Ferdinand Porsche first invented the gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain back in 1901, it seems only fitting that the technology should find its way into the automaker’s most iconic model.
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