Porsche 911 Hybrid confirmed but debut unlikely before 2026: Report

  • Porsche doesn’t plan to ditch the internal combustion engine on the 911 anytime soon
  • Over 80% of Porsche models sold by 2030 are to be either hybrids or fully electric
  • Debut expected around 2026, while a fully-electric 911 is unlikely before 2030
  • Hybrid powertrain could produce over 700 hp and 737 lb.-ft.

Right from its market launch in 1964 to the present day, the Porsche 911 has been considered by many as the ultimate expression of a sports car. However, Porsche’s iconic rear-engine two-seat model is set to receive a hybrid variant in the coming years, in the journey towards an all-electric future. The Porsche 911 Hybrid, as it’s being called, will usher in a new era for the nameplate.

Here’s what we know so far:

Confirmation

In an interview published by Car Magazine on December 29, 2022, Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche and Volkswagen AG, confirmed that a Porsche 911 Hybrid will be coming in the future. Blume mentioned that the new hybrid version will become part of the standard 911 range.

Fully-electric 911 unlikely

It’s possible that Porsche might not be ready to completely switch the 911 to a fully-electric model – the biggest hindrance likely being weight. The 911 has always been appreciated for its tactile and sporty driving dynamics, factors that are easily manageable with a conventional ICE powertrain. Fitting a large battery pack to achieve a competitive pure-electric range will possibly make the 911 far too heavy, which Porsche would wish to avoid. Further down the road, when lightweight batteries are available, the electric sports car segment could come alight.

Porsche Strategy 2030

The Porsche 911 Hybrid will be part of the company’s future sustainability and mobility goals. As per the ‘Porsche Strategy 2030’ plan, the German automaker intends over 80% of its total vehicle sales by 2030 to consist of hybrid or fully-electric models. The coming few years will see Porsche being bullish when it comes to electrification with all-electric versions of the Boxster, Macan, Cayenne and Panamera, though the 911 will continue using ICE powertrains far beyond other models in the company’s portfolio, Blume told the British publication in the interview.

Specifications

While there is no guidance on what is planned for the Porsche 911 hybrid, earlier media reports made estimations. According to a report by auto motor und sport dated June 21, 2022, in addition to an output of almost 700 hp (515 kW), the Porsche 911 Hybrid could offer a maximum torque of 1,000 Nm (737.6 lb.-ft.). The future 911 GT3 RS is also rumored to come onto the market with an electrified powertrain, claims the German publication.

Porsche 911 Hybrid Release Date

Sketch of the Porsche 911
“[The 911 hybrid] is not planned now for this part of the generation; we have to wait some years [to see] if it’s really necessary from a market point of view, for some regulations maybe,” the 992’s chief engineer, August Achleitner, told R&T in 2018. Image: Porsche

Blume and Porsche have not disclosed details regarding the arrival of the 911 Hybrid. However, we don’t think it will be presented prior to 2026, which is around when the current 992-generation 911 is set to retire.

TopElectricSUV says

The 911 is truly one of the best sports cars in the market, both for purists and general car buyers, but big changes will come in view of its future. Porsche might have to fully electrify its darling 911 nameplate sooner than it or its enthusiasts might like to!

Featured image: Porsche Newsroom