Porsche ends diesel production for good
We learned about the brand's reticence to continue with diesel power earlier in the year.
Porsche has officially ended production of its diesel vehicles, instead shifting its focus to e-mobility.
Using an official statement published on the company media website, Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume, said the company wasn't "demonising" what is an "important propulsion technology", but admitted it would have a "diesel-free" future.
"We as a sports car manufacturer... for whom diesel has always played a secondary role, have come to the conclusion that we would like our future to be diesel-free," Blume said, admitting the dieselgate crisis caused Porsche "a lot of trouble".
"Petrol engines are well suited for sporty driving."
Earlier this year, it stopped building its final two diesel models (Panamera Diesel, Macan S Diesel) as part of a "cultural shift" toward plug-in hybrid power. In Europe, around 60 per cent of Panamera sales are hybrid, while the plug-in Cayenne offers more power and range than its predecessor. The third-generation Cayenne won't be offered with a diesel.
"Traditionally, diesel engines have played a subordinate role at Porsche – the company does not develop or build diesel engines itself," the company said in a statement earlier this year.
"Currently, the demand for diesel models is falling, whereas interest in hybrid and petrol models is increasing significantly."
Porsche is looking to electric power for its future, with the Taycan (nee Mission E) heading for 2019 production.
The car will two electric motors generating more than 440kW. It'll hit 100km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds. Range will reportedly be over 500km under the NEDC testing scheme, although we're holding our breath to hear how that range looks under WLTP.
0
