Porsche is developing a plug-in hybrid version of its 911 sports car, according to several online reports.
This plan was revealed by the 911’s engineering boss, Dr. Erhard Mössle, to several media publications during the Detroit Motor Show earlier this month.
How a 911 hybrid will work
Mössle explained that the plug-in version is planned to be introduced to markets when the next-generation 911 is launched within the next few years. The aim with the plug-in hybrid version is to allow the iconic 911 to meet tougher regulations that will be laid out for fuel economy and CO2 emissions by the time the next-generation of the sports car arrives.
Reportedly the biggest challenge Porsche’s engineering team are facing when it comes to making a plug-in hybrid is accommodating the essential battery pack within the 911’s trademark rear-engined powertrain.
In order to be able to turn the car into a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, Porsche are reportedly facing a great challenge cutting down the weight of the next-generation 911.
Even with such a radically different powertrain on the way, however, Mössle has also revealed that the next 911 will stick to another iconic feature, flat-six engines. This declaration, along with the reports that Porsche are determined to stick to rear-wheel drive will likely please 911 enthusiasts.
Other Porsche updates
Mössle also recently revealed to reporters that the Porsche 911 will continue to offer a manual gearbox alongside the PDK automatic ‘box for the foreseeable future. This is despite estimates that only 15 per cent of current 911 customers pick a manual gearbox for their model.
Porsche has previously signalled its intention to make more eco-friendly sports cars when it presented the all-electric Mission E concept last September at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.
