The Porsche 911 is the embodiment of history protection. Not only the appearance has been recognizable for decades, but also in terms of propulsion, Porsche remains true to a proven concept. That will stay that way for a while, because according to Porsche we don’t have to expect an electrified 911 before 2030.
A Porsche 911 should have a boxer engine in the rear, nothing else. The enthusiasts will almost immediately underline that. Since the first 911 only a gasoline engine has been responsible for the drive and the characteristic boxer sound is inextricably linked to the 911. Porsche’s brand new chief responsible for the 911, Frank-Steffen Walliser, has good news in that regard. Under his leadership, the 911 will stay far away in electrification.
In conversation with the British Autocar, Walliser, who last year received the 911 and 718 under his responsibility, says that before 2030 we have to expect nothing more than a boxer engine in the 911. “The 911 is the last Porsche to be electric”, said the German. “That will hopefully only happen after my retirement, because then I can no longer be looked at.” Walliser indicates that he also does not like an intermediate form, a hybrid 911, for the time being. According to him, that is logically impossible to achieve without sacrificing anything of the space in the 911 or even the shape of the 911. Walliser also mentions the added weight as an absolute dealbreaker.
For the time being, an electrified 911 is not really needed at Porsche either. With the Taycan it fully focuses on electric driving. In addition, it also offers hybrid versions of the Panamera and Cayenne. As long as the CO2 targets can be achieved with this, Porsche can keep the 911 out of reach.