Porsche 911’s Electrification Delayed Until Mid-Decade, Says VP
Porsche has been teasing the electrification of the iconic 911 sports car for quite some time now, but it seems fans will have to wait a bit longer. Frank Moser, Vice President of Model Lines 911 and 718, recently revealed that Porsche is working on a hybrid version of the 911, but it won’t be released until around the middle of this decade.
The highly-anticipated hybrid model, known as the 992.2, is expected to debut next year as part of a facelift for the current generation. However, all initial versions of the 992.2 will still rely solely on a combustion engine, with the hybrid variant set to arrive later.
Porsche’s decision to delay the electrification of the 911 comes as a surprise, considering the brand’s previous discussions about the inevitability of hybrid powertrains for the iconic sports car. Nevertheless, Moser assures fans that the development of the hybrid model is underway and promises a performance-focused hybrid experience.
During a conversation with Motor Trend, Moser hinted at the challenges of perfecting the hybrid powertrain without compromising the 911’s weight and handling characteristics. Michael Steiner, a Porsche board member, echoed this sentiment by stating that the hybrid 911 should not become too heavy.
Spy shots of the 992.2 prototype show subtle signs of its electrified nature, such as a yellow round sticker on the rear glass and “EV” letters on the license plate. Reports suggest that the hybrid 911 will not be a plug-in hybrid, as this would introduce potential packaging issues caused by larger batteries.
Rumors have also been circulating about a high-performance hybrid variant based on the GT2 RS, which could potentially become the quickest and most powerful 911 ever. Adapted from the 963 LMDh endurance racer, this model is expected to feature a flat-six 3.8-liter engine and offer a combined output exceeding 700 horsepower.
Addressing concerns about weight gain, sources indicate that the hybrid powertrain will only add around 220 pounds to the car’s overall weight. For reference, the Turbo S weighs approximately 3,636 pounds.
Porsche has previously stated that a fully electric 911 won’t be available until after the current 992 generation. The brand intends to be the last to embrace electrification, and this delay suggests that the future of the 911 may still include a combustion engine, supported by Porsche’s investments in synthetic fuels.
In conclusion, Porsche enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer for the long-awaited hybrid 911. While the hybrid variant won’t be available until the middle of this decade, Porsche assures fans that the wait will be worth it, as they strive to deliver a high-performance hybrid experience without compromising the iconic 911’s DNA.