Several fully electric Porsches are in the works: The forthcoming 718 Boxster/Cayman twins, the next-gen Macan SUV, the upcoming Cayenne SUV, and even a larger, seven-seater electric SUV from Porsche, all expected before 2030. Nevertheless, there is one vehicle that Porsche is adamant about not fully electrifying—the iconic 911.
As reported by Reuters, Karl Dums, Porsche’s Senior Project Lead for eFuels, stated that while most of the Porsche lineup will be electrified, the Porsche 911 will retain a combustion engine for the foreseeable future. Despite acknowledging that the transition to electrification was Porsche’s primary focus, Dums specified that the 911 would persist with a combustion engine for as long as feasible, stating “…we will produce the 911 as long as possible with a combustion engine.”
The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic Porsche
This doesn’t mean that the 911 won’t incorporate any electrification. Porsche has confirmed the eventual introduction of a hybrid powertrain for the 911. While it may not be a plug-in hybrid with a substantial EV-only range, some form of electric assistance is expected down the line.
Porsche has notably advocated for e-fuels (synthetic gasoline) in the automotive sector. Its partnership with the Chilean e-fuel company HIF has positioned Porsche as a leading advocate for the use of carbon-neutral fuels. E-fuels, derived from CO2 and other greenhouse gases captured from the atmosphere, enable carbon emissions to be offset during combustion due to their recycled production, rendering them carbon neutral. Nevertheless, Dums clarified that Porsche’s e-fuel initiatives are distinct from its electric vehicle strategies.
The 2023 Porsche 911 Carerra T Porsche
Keeping the 911 as an internal combustion engine sports car also serves to distinguish it from other sibling models. With the current impressive 718 Boxster and Cayman models, there’s a risk of them detracting from 911 sales, especially now that the two lower-tier models offer GT4 and RS variants. However, by retaining the 911 as a combustion engine vehicle amidst potential electric versions of Boxster and Cayman, Porsche ensures that the 911 maintains a unique appeal that will continue to attract buyers, regardless of the advancements of its lower-priced counterparts.
With options like e-fuels and hybrid powertrains, Porsche appears to have strategies in place to maintain the presence of internal combustion in the 911 for at least another decade. Nonetheless, come 2030, the 911 will stand as Porsche’s final internal combustion engine vehicle.
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