Porsche Has Completely Ditched Diesel Engines From Its Cars

Porsche has completely dropped diesel engines from all of its ranges, in a dramatic move based on the paradigm shift in consumer attitudes towards hybrids.

The Stuttgart performance merchant has taken the huge step to remove the diesel Panamera and Macan from production altogether. The all-new Cayenne won’t now be offered with a diesel, and the move affects all of Porsche’s global markets. Any brand new diesels you see for sale will be from existing dealer stock.

Auto Express reports that re-engineering the diesel models to comply with the latest WLTP emissions test would be too expensive and short-termist. Electrification is seen as a more profitable and long-term viable route. In a surprisingly cold-reading statement, Porsche distanced itself from diesel engines, saying:

“Diesel engines traditionally play a subordinate role at Porsche. Porsche does not develop or build diesel engines itself. Currently, the demand for diesel models is falling, whereas interest in hybrid and petrol models is increasing significantly.”

Dieselgate is also partly responsible for the collapse in diesel’s fortunes at Volkswagen-owned Porsche. It wants to be seen to be making the ‘right decisions’ when it comes to the environment – and in the eyes of the lawmakers now scrutinising its every move.

Porsche is known to be spending heavily on research and development for hybrid and electric powertrains, like the Mission E project. There will soon be hybrid drivetrain options for almost every model, including the 911, while the Cayman and Boxster were controversially downsized to smaller capacities across just four cylinders.

Source: Auto Express