AndrewP

MT August issue reports that we should expect hybridized, plug-in 700 hp plus versions of both the Pan Turbo S and the 911 Turbo S by 2017. They speculate that if the 918's "156 hp electric motor can fit between the gas engines and PDK...total output will be 725-730 hp."

Gus_Smedstad

Electric motors are pretty darned small. The real issue is the battery. The 918's battery is 660 lbs and bulky. I don't really find magazine speculation all that useful, even if Porsche has made it clear they're focused on hybrid technology.

TT Surgeon

They would never release a 700hp street car IMHO.

BikePilot

Wild. Others already have released 700+ HP street cars. Wouldn't shock me if porsche did. For that matter the fastest ford mustang isn't far short of 700hp.

TT Surgeon

I see it only in a limited run type car like a 918, cgt, not a mass produced car like a turbo. Too much potential liability.

Jamie140

Sorry, old friend. Have to disagree here.

Put this in an envelope and open it in 2018. If I'm wrong, I'll buy you a bottle of 21 year old single malt.

TT Surgeon

Deal!
No more 993turbo?
I should've bought that blue one from you......

Tacet-Conundrum

I could see something like this happening. If it could help either car get an extra 5 MPG then it is possible due to the 2020 CAFE requirements. Also, why are all the S model Panameras V6's now instead V8?

speed21

This one looks the go:

Try flat 8 quad turbo...988

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/p...708-zszry.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11407077...rldCarFans.com)

Certainly looks like Porsche is heading more into mid mount architecture....

Metal Guru

Porsche has stated that the 911 cannot be hybridized because there is no room in the car to package batteries.

zedosix

Agreed, Dodge "Hellcat" has 707hp. Damn thing still can't do 60mph in under 3 seconds though.

GreenLantern

That's what happens when you've got tons of weight to shed.

AndrewP

918 battery is 306 lbs. 918 gross weight 3820 lbs., which is a couple of hundred pounds more than the 991 Turbo S. Although a hybridized 911 Turbo S will cost more than the current model, it will be well over a million dollars less than the 918. A heavier 911 hybridized Turbo S is highly likely. One need look no further than the BMW's i8 for what the market will be like. The Porsche model to slot between the Turbo S and the 918 will very likely be a flat 8 positioned to compete with other mid-six figure cars, so will not replace the Turbo or Turbo S.

I have found that MT's predictions about model changes to have been very accurate, but that is only my observation and I am not inclined to search back issues for proof. It is not a stretch to imagine manufacturers suggesting changes with the caveat that they are not for attribution and journalists who actually respect their sources enough to honor the request.