Porsche doesn’t think autonomous cars fit brand

Porsche customers have no need to worry because the company has no intention of taking away driver control by introducing autonomous tech for its vehicles. “One wants to drive a Porsche by oneself,” company CEO Oliver Blume told a German newspaper, Reuters reports. For the sports car maker, this is a sensible decision, as its owners are driving enthusiasts who desire an exciting experience behind the wheel.

Blume also isn’t a big fan of people using their phones in the car. “An iPhone belongs in your pocket, not on the road,” he told the newspaper.

While Blume doesn’t like some cutting-edge automotive tech, he’s no Luddite. The CEO eventually wants every Porsche to be available with a hybrid powertrain option, including the 911. A plug-in version of the famous sports coupe could be ready by 2018 and have a 31-mile EV range (presumably on the European cycle), according to Reuters.

The evidence suggests that Porsche is very serious about electrifying the 911. A company exec admitted the automaker had PHEVs under discussion. Spy shots (above) already showed one testing that possibly had a charger on the passenger side rear fender.

The 911 PHEV would also follow logically from Porsche’s recent surge to electrify its models. The Panamera and Cayenne already offer plug-in versions, and the 918 Spyder proves the system can perform. Applying that battery knowledge to the 911 is a natural move, especially with the fully electric Mission E taking another technological step forward around 2020.

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