The first surprise was the official claim that the new Turbo can lap the Nordschleife in 7min 18sec - making it quicker than the GT3 RS.

He admitted the Turbo's faster 'lap time' has created a bit of banter with the Motorsport division, but assured us that the next GT3 will almost certainly be faster again. "We like to say that it pushes our colleagues to the next level."

He was predictably keen to emphasise that, as in the 918, the hybrid system will be adding performance rather than just boosting economy, with other efficiency savings likely to come from a development of the Carrera's recently launched turbocharged engine. Unsurprisingly Porsche has put the need to keep flat-six power right at the top of the priority list for future 911s. There's no chance of a latter-day 912.

"As far as I can see we will stay with six-cylinder engines in the 911," Mossle said, "we have good positioning, the 911 will have six and the 718 [Boxster and Cayman] will have four."

"Our goal is always that the 911 is really light compared to the competition," Mossle said, "technologies like turbo engines or crash regulations will make the car heavier. Therefore we are fighting hard... especially as if we are discussing plug-in hybrid then there's the battery weight."

But for Mossle, having the option of a stick is a point of principle. "It's a USP for Porsche to have a manual 911 and we will fight for it for as long as possible," he said, "I think we should definitely keep it for the next generation also."