A high-ranking Porsche executive says the company will strive to retain the “iconic” 911’s boxer-engined configuration for “as long as possible”.
Michael Steiner, member of Porsche’s executive board responsible for research and development, was speaking to journalists during an online roundtable event after the Zuffenhausen-based firm’s annual press conference.
“The 911 is our brand spearhead. This car is designed as a 2+2-seater with the engine – the famous boxer-six – sitting in the back. We will keep this configuration in this iconic car as long as possible,” the 56-year-old said during the event attended by CARmag.co.za.
Interestingly, Steiner confirmed the German firm was indeed developing a hybrid version of the 911 sports car, though would not be drawn on exactly when such a vehicle might hit the market.
“There is room for some hybridisation – we are working on this but it’s not the time to tell you when such concepts will be on sale. But this iconic car will [continue to] carry a boxer engine,” he pointed out.
Earlier reports have suggested the option of an electrified powertrain – either a mild-hybrid version or a plug-in hybrid arrangement, or both – will arrive only once the 992-generation 911 is facelifted, which should be at some point after 2024. However, Porsche’s horizontally opposed engine is still expected to form the base for such powertrains.
