Report: Porsche looks to more hybrids

PORSCHE’S future is looking greener with the German sportscar-maker reportedly looking at building hybrid versions of all of its models, including the 911.

According to UK publication Autocar, Porsche spokesperson Daniel Semmer announced at the Panamera Hybrid technology workshop earlier this week that the company has designed a hybrid module to be used in all future models, including the Cayman/Boxster twins and iconic 911.

The hybrid module could reportedly feature in Porsche’s next generation of cars from 2016/17 on and combine the electric motor and clutches in one unit in an effort to reduce fuel consumption while driving at everyday speeds.

The hybrid module will be more powerful than the 69kW unit from the upcoming Panamera plug-in hybrid, and include aluminium instead of copper wires for a lighter wiring loom, and will be water and air-cooled.

Future models fitted with the hybrid module will use data from detailed road maps to identify corners and inclines, and change the driving mode accordingly to maximise fuel efficiency and performance.

While the German brand has not confirmed the module, it is also reportedly developing an induction charging system for the home that refreshes the battery just by being in the proximity of the charger, removing the need for cables.

Porsche already sells petrol-electric hybrid versions of its top-selling Cayenne SUV and the Panamera sports tourer in Australia.

An updated Panamera arrives in Australia later this year with a plug-in hybrid version that sips a Prius-beating 3.1 litres per 100 kilometres, a massive improvement on the outgoing Panamera Hybrid’s 7.1L/100km.

Porsche’s next cab-off-the-rank following the Panamera will be the Audi Q5-based Macan mid-size SUV which is rumoured to surface later this year, possibly in time for the Frankfurt motor show.

A number of powertrain options will be available when the Macan eventually goes on sale, with a hybrid version highly likely.

News of the hybrid module comes the same week that Porsche released more information about its upcoming mid-engined 918 Spyder hybrid supercar that combines a traditional 4.6-litre V8 with two electric motors for a combined power output of 653kW and fuel economy of just 3.3L/100km.