Porsche has been testing what appears to be a 911 hybrid from these latest spy pics.
On top of the bonnet sits a matt black box suggesting this is where the car maker would fit the electric motor.
This may limit the hybrid to just the Carrera 2 models as the space is limited in the front of the four-wheel drive model.
Theoretically the 911 could be the first to do without a flat six as a lower-powered, possibly four cylinder, engine would be needed if it was boosted by an electric motor.
A hybrid 911 would be a logical step to help Porsche reduce its overall emissions because it is such a big seller.
The car was extremely quiet when it was pulling away, our spy photographer told us, but when spotted accelerated at considerable speed.
The bonnet bulge has been adorned with a lightning bolt sticker and there is what appears to be a “no pacemaker” sign on the window.
However the Batman logo on the bonnet would lead us to believe the sticker are more of a Stuttgart joke than anything else.
Porsche is planning hybrid versions of both Panamera and Cayenne and although the flat six in the 911 is a very different engine the technology does exist.
A hybrid 911 would have formidable fuel economy for such a sporting car. The standard 997 currently manages almost 30mpg on the combined cycle and with the aid of an electric motor this could be boosted to 50mph.
The 911 hybrid is still in the early stages of development and is not likely to appear before 2011.
Thanks to: Autocar