Georg Kacher on Porsche, Lambo, Audi
There’s a mystery entry pencilled in to the Porsche product plan for 2026, dubbed 9XX. Could this be the hypercar? It would be expensive, but it could have brand-boosting and tech-showcasing benefits. According to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume: ‘The hypercar theme keeps popping up on our agenda at irregular intervals. Right now, there exists no approved programme.’
If it were to be approved, such a range-topper would have to be fully electric, but the right batteries simply don’t exist. Some inside the Weissach development centre are pushing to team up with outside specialists to devise ionic liquid batteries with reduced resistance, consistent high outputs and shorter charge times, plus the new cooling systems necessary to unleash the technology’s potential.
The electric coupe/roadster being developed by Porsche for the next generation of Cayman and Boxster may spawn an Audi TT replacement, but it won’t look anything like the TT. Instead, insiders are predicting a look based on the original 1980 Quattro, the road and rally car that’s also had an influence on the styling of the larger Taycan- based e-Tron GT.
It’s been mooted for ages, but Lambo’s first PHEV will finally go on sale next year. Referred to as the Urus PowerHybrid, it’s expected to weigh about 250kg more than the base car, with its Porsche-donated powertrain making in the region of 809bhp – more than the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, but peak torque will be about the same. Meanwhile, expect a non-hybrid hotted-up Urus ‘Sport RS’ making around 670bhp. The Mk2 Urus isn’t expected before 2028. When it does arrive, it’ll share a platform with 2024’s Cayenne Mk4.