Porsche petrol power safe for a decade

Porsche has confirmed the bark of a flat-six will continue to resonate from its tailpipes for at least another 10 years, with petrol engines locked into the line-up alongside incoming electrified powertrains.

While the end of internal combustion is looming on the distant horizon, the German manufacturer has a strategy to hold onto pistons and cylinders as long as possible before electric completely proliferates the family of sports and SUV models.

Speaking to Motor in Munich, Porsche AG CEO Oliver Blume confirmed petrol engines would continue to feature as part of the entire model portfolio as hybrid and full-electric versions are gradually introduced.

“In the transformation period over the next 10 years we will offer in every Porsche segment one combustion engine, one hybrid and one electric engine,” he said.

The exact transition strategy, including model drivetrain phase-in and phase-out, is not yet being detailed – but it’s understood the venerable 911 brand halo will be the among the last to give up spark ignition.

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Critically though, Porsche’s strategy to prolong petrol power is part of a carbon-zero approach to align with its other sustainability policies. While the company’s E-fuels project is still in small-scale trials, a larger scaled-up operation will soon provide a source of non-fossil-derived petrol for use in a number of applications.

“E-fuels do make sense when you produce them in regions of the world where sustainable energy is unlimited,” said Blume. “We will have the first lot of these E-fuels by next year to build some lighthouses – motorsport, Porsche Experience centres, first filling in our factories and testing.”

Unlike oil-derived hydrocarbon fuel, E-fuels are made using renewable sources of energy and, while its use does release CO2, synthetic petrol is a cleaner and a more sustainable option for the twilight years of combustion engines.

And even though passenger vehicles may be preparing for petrol to go out to pasture, Blume highlighted the need for the fuel beyond the motoring sector.

“[It's needed] not just in the automotive industry, but also in the flight industry and the ship industry where you won’t have any other option in the future. Synthetic fuels will be the only option.”

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An eventual pure-electric Porsche line-up is inevitable, and the first approximate date of the full transition is also ticking down. But even when a combustion-power engine will no longer be found in the iconic family, the equally cherished boot badges will live on.

Blume explained that the introduction of the Taycan title was necessary for the arrival of Porsche’s first modern battery-electric car, as it slotted into a segment not occupied by any other model. As for the rest of the range however, the much loved names of the exiting line up will endure the switch to electric.

“Taycan was another story. It was a new segment for the first time and it was its own car, therefore we decided to go for a new name.

“Porsche has always remained Porsche only by changing [with the times].”