High-performance and luxury car brands that have insisted on high-displacement internal combustion engines ranging from 8 to 16 cylinders are this year putting hybrid vehicles (HEV·Hybrid Vehicle) front and center.

Among high-performance and luxury car brands, Porsche has led the transition to eco-friendly vehicles. Last year, Porsche filled three of the five trims of the third-generation Panamera with plug-in hybrids (PHEV·Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle·hybrid vehicles that can charge the battery using external power). This year, they will officially launch the new 911 Carrera GTS in the domestic market in the first half. Porsche applied a lightweight yet powerful T-hybrid system to the Carrera GTS. While typical HEV models focus on fuel efficiency, Porsche has concentrated on engine weight reduction to strengthen brand identity.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. /Courtesy of Porsche Korea

The T-hybrid system increases output by having the electric motor inject more air. A newly developed 3.6-liter (L) engine will be installed, resulting in a 61-horsepower increase compared to existing models, producing 541 horsepower and 62.2 kg·m of torque. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is reduced to 3 seconds, down 0.4 seconds from the previous 3.4 seconds. The top speed is 312 km/h. The carbon dioxide emissions have reportedly decreased by about 8 grams per kilometer according to European standards (WLTP).

Italy's supercar brand Lamborghini is set to officially launch the Temerarion, the successor to the Huracan, in the domestic market this year. A Lamborghini representative noted, 'The Temerarion is the third hybrid model,' adding, 'The exact launch date has not been confirmed.' In 2023, Lamborghini unveiled its first PHEV model, the Revuelto, and its second hybrid, the Urus SE. The combined maximum output of the Temerarion, which features a 4.0L V8 twin-turbo engine and three electric motors, is 920 horsepower.

Lamborghini Terrarerio. /Courtesy of Lamborghini

Bentley, which declared complete electrification by 2035, will officially launch the new Continental GT in the domestic market this year. The Continental GT has been a representative model that increased Bentley's annual sales from around 1,000 units to about 10,000 units in four years since its launch in 2002. The fourth-generation Continental GT will apply a PHEV system for the first time in the brand's history, capable of traveling 80 km on pure electricity. Additionally, the four circular lamps commonly associated with Bentley have been reduced to two. Instead, a straight daytime running light reminiscent of wings has been incorporated.

The fourth-generation Flying Spur will also be officially launched in the domestic market. The Flying Spur is the first high-end sedan in Korea to surpass cumulative sales of 2,000 units, costing over 300 million won. The new PHEV system has also been applied to the fourth-generation Flying Spur. The combination of the new 4.0L V8 engine and an electric motor producing 190 horsepower results in a combined maximum output of 782 horsepower and a peak torque of 102.05 kg·m. It can travel up to 76 km on electric power alone.

At the front are Bentley's 4th generation Flying Spur and Continental GT, GTC. /Courtesy of Bentley Motors Korea

Maserati will officially deliver the electric sport utility vehicle (SUV·Sport Utility Vehicle) Grecale Folgore to customers in the first half of this year. Folgore means 'lightning' in Italian, signifying a commitment to maintaining its unique driving performance.

Maserati's Grecale Folgore. /Courtesy of Maserati Korea