Porsche 911 hybrid won't be a PHEV

As one of the world's most iconic sportscars, the Porsche 911 has always been a reflection of the industry in which it exists.

From adopting turbochargers in the 1970s to being a pioneer in dual-clutch transmissions, the 911 has remained contemporary no matter which generation you look at – until the 992.

While the industry ramps up its efforts to go electric or introduce electrification into its model ranges, the lack of a hybrid 911 is a glaring omission amidst its choices of various combustion engines.

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However, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has confirmed a hybridised version of the sportscar is on the way and will utilise a mild-hybrid system, rather than a plug-in hybrid setup which would allow it to be recharged while not on the go.

Speaking to German publication Automobilwoche, he said the hybrid tech set to be implemented in the sportscar will be derived from its motorsport programs, such as the World Endurance Championship winning 919 Hybrid.

"It won't be a plug-in hybrid, but it will be a very sporty hybrid from motorsport," said Blume.

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Porsche is planning to take on the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA Sportscar Championship again from 2023 with a hybrid prototype, set to be developed in conjunction with Team Penske with the aim of winning more 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona titles.

Back in 2017, Blume confirmed to sister publication Wheels the manufacturer would be developing a hybrid 911, although the initial target of a 2020 or 2021 introduction has flown by with no sign of an electrified rear-engined coupe to be seen.

While plans are in place to make the next generation of Boxster and Cayman available as fully electric vehicles, the head of the 911's future, Frank-Steffen Walliser, has previously said he cannot see an EV 911 happening, and it would be the last electrified model from Porsche if such a vehicle was made.