Spy Shots: Is this Porsche 911 mule hiding a shocking secret?
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Jul 28th 2009 at 9:11AM 
No automaker is immune to the global environmental pressure to reduce pollutants and limit carbon dioxide emissions. Even Porsche has gotten into the green game with both diesel and hybrid options for its current Cayenne – along with an expected hybrid for its Panamara range. Could that fuel-saving technology make a move closer to Porsche's sportscar roots? If so, would the battery pack go under the front hood or a rear-engined car?According to a series of spy photos from our friends at NextAutos.com, the answer to those questions may be yes and yes. Although there aren't any logos on the car – save for the well-placed Batman stickers (are we looking at the next Tumbler? Nah) – the profile undoubtedly screams 911 while the details leave us scratching our heads. What's with the oddly shaped bulge (complete with what appears to be a lightning bolt graphic) on the hood or the fact that the photogs claim the car made virtually no noise as it sped away at high velocities?
For what it's worth, in addition to the hybrid Cayenne and Panamera programs, we also know that the German automaker is keenly interested in electric vehicles, including its iconic 911. In other words, these are spy shots that have our interest piqued even more than usual.
[Source: Next Autos]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Kiernan 9:36AM (7/28/2009)
An electric Porsche? I hope so, I don't like Porsche but if they are selling EVs this will help all EVs.
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Throwback 10:06AM (7/28/2009)
Or Prosche could just be having some fun with the spy shooters. My guess is Porsche is probably working on an electric sports car. I doubt they would use a 911 though, too iconic. The Cayman however, would make a nice EV, but why put the batteries up front it would make the car nose heavy.
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B 10:20AM (7/28/2009)
I think (and hope) EV adoption can be much quicker then we're expecting.
Iconic or not, going electric doesn't exclude high performance. What would be
lost for Porshe making an actual 911 EV model?
Interesting it's that bulge on a front. If it's electric socket then it's at
least PHEV, if not pure EV (reports of it beings practically silent, hmm...).
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paulwesterberg 11:37AM (7/28/2009)
You get better regen braking with an electric motor in the front, but porsche will likely seek to retain their rwd handling feel. That means you pack the boot in the nose with batteries in order to balance the weight. I hope they keep the batman logo.
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Chris 11:39AM (7/28/2009)
"made virtually no noise as it sped away at high velocity"
I'm not sure what to make of this statement. Every EV that I've heard (just hit YouTube for examples) has a distinct noise when accelerating hard. Not loud like a standard ICE but loud enough. Sure the Prius or other hybrids might be near silent in low speed, slight acceleration but "high velocity" that is not.
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Dave 12:19PM (7/28/2009)
Actually, every single hybrid that permits EV only propulsion (primarily Toyota, in my experience since those are the most plentiful) also emits a distinctive whine under EV propulsion and braking that is quite clear at low ( < 25mph ) speeds above road/wind noise. It's harder to hear from inside the car, but from outside it's distinctive enough that you'll hear it and expect to see a Toyota there.
The whine comes from the power electronics.
If you've used high performance electric RC cars, you'll also be familiar with the whine the electronic speed controls those devices make.
Throwback 12:17PM (7/28/2009)
I think the comment is in relation to the beautiful sound of the Porsche flat six.
vfx 1:53PM (7/28/2009)
The rear view still shows exhaust pipes.
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Leo 2:09PM (7/28/2009)
Am i mishtaken, or do i spy a warning sign for heart pace makers on the left rear side window?
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David 3:40PM (7/28/2009)
Am I the only one that thinks this looks like a bad photoshop?
The snapper claims he saw it pull out of a parking space and then followed it, but the pics are of a drive by somewhere in the countryside.
Hmm.
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KK 4:42PM (7/28/2009)
I'm inclined to think it's a physical fake, i.e. just a cardboard box taped to a regular 911. It seems suspicious that a secret prototype would have such a prominent "lightning" symbol on the hood.
Tohe 3:11AM (7/29/2009)
I agree with KK, it is a combination of physical fake and digital editing. Besides, it looks like these pics were taken in south west.
Jon 4:18AM (7/29/2009)
As a previous 911 owner, I can tell you that the beautiful engine noise is part of the experience. I'd hate to see it go away.
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