Porsche is ‘constantly evaluating’ electric strategy
With EV sales plateauing in recent months, Porsche has recognised the growing call from customers for more petrol-powered models.
Porsche has not ruled out the reported return of petrol power for its 718 successor, currently officially in line for electric-only propulsion, as it monitors the market and ready to pivot based on customer demand.
Speaking to Australian media, Porsche Australia CEO and managing director Daniel Schmollinger confirmed the brand recognises the appetite for more combustion-powered models.
“[Porsche] headquarters is basically constantly evaluating where the opportunities are [for petrol-powered models],” Schmollinger said.
“Every six months, it’s ‘what can we do? What do we not want to do?’ So, there is opportunity out there.
“There’s nothing we can communicate at this point in time, but definitely they know where those opportunities are.”
Recent online reports have pointed to a potential petrol- or hybrid-powered version of the incoming all-electric 718 successor, given the plateauing interest in EV sports cars such as the MG Cyberster and Lotus Evija, as well multiple brands walking back electric-only plans.
Not much is currently confirmed for the 718-succeeding electric vehicle (EV), but it has been in development for a number of years and will reportedly share parts with an Audi model – potentially the production version of the Concept C.
Schmollinger, who has driven a prototype, said the new Porsche is “amazing”, despite the increase in weight due to high-voltage components and a battery.
“I had a chance to drive the car, it is amazing,” Schmollinger said.
“It is everything we want from a two-seater sports car from a driving dynamics point – [and] acceleration, cornering – and even though with the battery and the weight increase, it still feels very light, very agile, very little.
“We can’t yet talk about timeline here, but definitely that’s something to look forward to.”
Porsche is expected to reveal more on the 718 successor in the coming months, and potentially reveal the model before the end of the year.
For those wanting a petrol-powered two-seat Porsche now however, Schmollinger said some stock is still remaining of the current 718 Boxster and Cayman.
“Obviously we are in the runout phase of the 718 for petrol, so there’s still some cars left in the country,” Schmollinger said.
“Whoever is interested in going for the 718 petrol, now is the time because this time will be over rather soon.
“And then of course there will the 718 electric coming in the near future.”
