Earlier this month, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blum outlined his vision for the group to shareholders at an extraordinary meeting. Part of his vision involved the remaining CEO of the Porsche brand, a dual role that two major shareholders at the meeting questioned.
Now, in an interview with Car, Blum has outlined his vision for Porsche. Asked about the evolution to electrics, Blum said the full lineup will offer a mix of ICE, hybrid and battery electric powertrains. The Cayenne and Panamera have hybrid drives and ICE, the Macan is plug-in, and the Taycan is already there. Sticking with a similar breakdown of the combustion-retaining flagships, Blum said Porsche will add "a very sporty hybrid to the 911" as its 718 twins switch to electrics.
For those just joining the program, the 911 hybrid has been rumored for at least 14 years. In 2009, Next Autos posted spy shots of a 911 with a polygonal bulge on the hood and now-familiar lightning bolt decals, and the car said it didn't make any noise as it speeded away.
The Stuttgart automaker teased a hybrid 911 in 2014, revisited it in 2017 and eventually confirmed its arrival, CEO Blum saying in 2018 that it would be "the most powerful 911 we've ever had" before reports of second thoughts about power output. Which will shade every turbo-and-three notion in 2020 about engineering being "really hard." Given the form factor and the mission of the 911. At the time, it was reported that the hybrid would arrive in 2023. This will not happen, but it seems that we will soon find out how all the ideas and arguments settle into the production form.
Blum stressed again that the company wants to keep an internal combustion engine in the 911 for as long as possible, and sees not only hybrids, but also developments such as synthetic fuels as a possible way to extend operation.
What 2023 will bring are more special editions. A car indicated that Porsche celebrates several occasions in the coming year, and Blum noted that 2023 will mark the 60th anniversary of the 911, the 75th anniversary of the company, and the 80th birthday of Wolfgang Porsche, son of Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche and grandson of Ferdinand Sr.
Bloom described the 911 Dakar's offer of 2,500 units as a way to test the market. With all these things backed up - as everyone knows - the "door is open" to consider a variety of more powerful 911 models that could serve customers and more remote parts of the world.
The entire interview is worth a read. Car Questions covers everything Porsche does and can do, from the electrification schedule and increased customization to an influx of new customers thanks to the Taycan and lifestyle accessories like rooftop tents. And Blum confirms once again an expansion of the model range "with an ultra-luxury SUV," an all-electric entry on the upcoming SSP platform to sit above the Cayenne.
