Porsche CEO Oliver Blume says efficiency will be a key for all future models. That does not mean a four-cylinder 911 is on the way. No, Porsche is considering a more radical option—a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its iconic sports car.

"We are looking at a plug-in hybrid 911," Blume confirms. "It will be launched as soon as there is a market for it, which analysts say will be around 2023."

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What Blume does not mention is the fact that this 911, codenamed 992, is probably the last of its kind. The 911 after it will almost certainly be based on a vehicle architecture called SAZ—VW Group shorthand for sports car platform of the future.

While the 992 will essentially be a straightforward evolution of the current 911, the SAZ-based version would be built on a platform designed to have the flexibility to underpin a variety of vehicles. The next 911 will therefore be the last built on a unique platform.

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The 992 series 911s feature upgraded flat-six engines codenamed EA9A2. For a start, we are going to see a 48V mild hybrid system adding 20 hp of power and 52 lb-ft of torque, using regenerated electricity to power the auxiliaries.

Also part of the EA9A2 concept are more advanced fuel feed and combustion techniques. Despite the additional emission-reducing gear, power is said to go up from 370 hp to 400 hp in the Carrera, and from 430 hp to 450 hp in the S.

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Sadly, the 992 GT3 is expected to lose its intoxicating naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine in favor of a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat six. The good news? It will reportedly be rated at 550 hp.

The Turbo S gets an increase in power from 580 hp to 620 hp, and when the Stage III boxer engines arrive in 2022 as part of the 992's mid-cycle refresh, another power boost can be taken for granted.

A new eight-speed PDK transmission capable of handling the extra power and torque, codenamed 8DT 80HL, is already waiting in the wings.

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When do these new 911s arrive? Here's what we know:

• October 2018: Carrera 2S and Carrera 4S coupés revealed, with first customer deliveries February 2019.

• January 2019: Carrera 2S and Carrera 4S cabriolet unveiled, with cars, cars in dealers from April.

• April 2019: Entry-level Carrera 2/4 in coupé and convertible form launched, with sales starting July.

• September 2019: 911 turbo coupé and Carrera 2/4 GTS unveiled, and will be on sale from February 2020.

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The 911 PHEV confirmed by Blume at the L.A. auto show combines the familiar 3.0-liter flat-six with a 94 hp e-motor capable of whipping up 229 lb-ft of instant torque. The battery capacity is a claimed 10.8 kWh.

This eco-friendly 992 should thus be good for 485 hp and 561 lb-ft, enough to accelerate it to 60 mph in 3.5 sec, and on to a top speed of 197 mph.

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While other PHEVs are aiming for a three-figure driving range, the semi-electric 911 is reportedly more about torque vectoring and mid-range grunt.

With on-demand AWD, a button-activated 20-sec torque boost, and lift-off coasting in eco-mode, this 911 is said to be fun and frugal, with a zero-emission range in excess of 40 miles.

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Like all 992 versions, the 911 PHEV comes with a digital dashboard (only the tach is still of the analogue kind), various assistance systems like an augmented reality head-up display, and extra-cost fully adaptive long-reach laser-beam headlights.