Porsche 911 hybrid

That's a rumor that image above is Porsche 911 hybrid,  there’s no concrete news on the design of the hybrid system, the likely solution will see the Carrera 4’s front suspension system re-designed, replacing the front differential with some kind of the electric motor.

Maximum output of the 911 Carrera with its 3.6-liter engine is up by 20 hp to 345 hp (254 kW). The 911 Carrera S with its 3.8-liter engine delivers an increase of 30 hp to 385 (283 kW). Featuring PDK, the Carrera Coupé offers fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg US).

Maybe Porsche 911 hybrid wheels are powered by the rear-mounted engine and the front wheels by an electric motor and battery power.

This would allow the 911 Hybrid to be driven in pure electric mode – though it would be front drive – or in petrol-only mode via the rear wheels.

Both forms of propulsion could be used together for improved acceleration and the electric front-drive could also be used intermittently to improve handling and grip.

It’s also possible that a four-cylinder flat-four turbocharged engine could be used in a future 911 hybrid, though that would be a controversial move.

Porsche is planning hybrid versions of both Panamera and Cayenne and, although the flat six in the 911 is a very different engine, the technology does exist.

A hybrid 911 would have formidable fuel economy for such a sporting car. The standard 997 currently manages almost 30mpg on the combined cycle and with the aid of an electric motor this could be boosted to 50mph.

The 911 hybrid is still in the early stages of development and is not likely to appear before 2011.