A Porsche executive has confirmed development progress on the plug-in hybrid 911.
The oft-rumored 911 PHEV is said to present several technical challenges, but the company is under pressure to raise its fleet-wide average mpg ratings. Engineers are reportedly working to offset the battery’s weight penalty and integrate the hybrid powertrain into the rear-engine layout.
“It takes some time to bring something like this to market,” Porsche engineering head Erhard Mössle said at the Detroit auto show, as quoted by Autocar. “With the packaging problems of the car, there are a lot of things to solve before then.”
Previous reports have suggested a hybrid could debut in concept form by 2018 or 2019, however the latest report claims the next-generation electrified 911 is not likely to arrive on the market until 2020.
Whenever it does arrive, the hybrid is expected to be offered in an all-wheel-drive configuration. A gasoline engine will turn the rear wheels, while one or more electric motors will power the front wheels as needed. The company has not yet disclosed electric range targets or an estimated performance boost from the electric system.
The hybrid will be sold alongside traditional powertrains, which will continue to center around a flat six for the foreseeable future. The company is presumably focusing on turbocharging and electrification to meet fuel efficiency regulations.
Looking further down the road, Porsche has indicated that a pure electric 911 is also under consideration.
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