Porsche has a plan, and it's called "Strategy 2035." We'll learn more about it on October 7 during a Capital Markets Day, where we can expect numerous announcements about upcoming products. However, Zuffenhausen is already making it clear that there won't be a purely electric 911. Speaking at this week's Annual General Meeting, CEO Michael Leiters vowed to keep the combustion engine and safeguard the car's future through hybrid technology.
Leiters stated, 'The hybrid drive system is not seen as a bridging technology. For the 911, the specially developed performance hybrid powertrain is a fundamental building block, a sort of elixir of life for the future. Because there will never be a fully electric 911. We stand by that.'
View Price on AmazonPorsche is doubling down on its promise, going so far as to say an electric 911 will never happen. The 911 will be the only Porsche without an EV counterpart. The Macan and Cayenne SUVs already have electric versions alongside their combustion-engine models. Similarly, the 718 Boxster and Cayman are returning with both gas engines and EV drivetrains.
Looking ahead, Porsche has promised a large SUV with three rows of seats positioned above the Cayenne. It was announced a few years ago as an EV-only product, but the company has since had a change of heart and is expected to launch a gas-powered version first. A new hypercar is also under consideration, as Porsche is interested in tapping higher-margin segments on both the two-door sports car and SUV sides.
At the other end of the lineup, a small crossover to replace the first-generation Macan, which goes out of production this summer, is due in a couple of years. During the meeting, Porsche's head honcho reiterated plans to invest in three types of powertrains: combustion engines, hybrids, and EVs.
Although Porsche's lineup appears to be expanding, it's also shrinking at the same time. Leiters wants to "reduce the number of model variants" based on market demand. A clear example is the recent decision to discontinue the Taycan wagons in the United States. However, Motor1 has learned from company officials that the Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo will remain in production for other markets.
Porsche stands for clarity and has always been very adept at resolving the tension between individualization and complexity. We must reconnect with this principle more strongly. Our portfolio has become too complex – even compared to the competition.
Source: motor1.com
