2018 Porsche 911 likely to have hybrid model

"We have been doing some analysis to see whether it will work," said Muller.

“There is no decision up until now [but] we are negotiating that, and we will see. Maybe in the next generation - there is no reason against it and we will see if we have some reasons to do it."

Muller clarified that by the next-generation 911 he wasn't referring to a mid-life update of the current 991 series, but rather genuinely the all-new model due in about 2018.

The boss of Porsche also strongly hinted at a plan to roll out hybrids eventually across all model lines, including the Boxster and Cayman, though the latter, cheapest two-door Porsches will go four-cylinder first.

“It depends from the lifecycle and the lifecycle of Porsches will be another opportunity to do that [hybrids]," Muller said.

"[In] 2016 the Panamera, then step by step.

"From my point of view we will see a four-cylinder engine in the next generation of Boxster and Cayman [but] there is no decision [on four-cylinder hybrid]."

Muller also defended the use of hybrid power in the brand's sportiest models.

“This hybrid technology has two reasons: one is CO2, but another reason for us for this technology is sportiness. As we have proved in the 918 Spyder … it can work.

"So it can also be a solution for 911."