High-end luxury car brands are focusing on hybrid systems. The goal is to enhance vehicle performance while responding to global environmental regulations such as carbon reduction and to demonstrate technological prowess.
A hybrid refers to a powertrain that utilizes both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Depending on the degree to which the electric motor is involved, it is classified into full hybrid, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) types.
Recently, Porsche introduced the new 911 Carrera GTS (new 911), a facelifted model of the eighth generation, emphasizing its turbocharged hybrid (T-hybrid) system. It claims to have increased both the vehicle's power output and speed by combining a six-cylinder engine with a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor.
The new 911 is the first mass-produced hybrid model of the sports car 911 series. There has been much concern that adding hybrid and electrification technology to a sleek sports car could result in increased vehicle weight and reduced performance.
Lee Seok-jae, an executive director at Porsche Korea, noted, "We minimized potential weight increases through precise design work to ensure that the driving pleasure of the sports car is not diminished," adding, "Despite the installation of an electrified powertrain, the curb weight is 1,595 kg, only 50 kg heavier than the previous model."
The new 911 has an output of 541 horsepower, which is 61 horsepower more than the previous model. This is due to the electric motor providing additional power to the turbocharger. The zero to 100 km/h acceleration time is 3 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds shorter than the previous model.
Bentley is continuously launching new vehicles equipped with what is called a "high-performance hybrid" system. It uses an 8-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor in its PHEV powertrain, resulting in stronger output and higher fuel efficiency compared to existing models.
Christian Schli, managing director of Bentley Motors Korea, said, "The reason for adopting a hybrid system is not only to comply with environmental regulations but also to improve vehicle performance."
The pure electric driving ranges of the Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur with the high-performance hybrid system are 85 km, 82 km, and 80 km respectively, allowing them to run solely on electricity in urban and daily driving.
Lamborghini has become the first supercar brand to introduce hybrid systems across its entire lineup. Starting with the Revuelto, it has unveiled the Urus SE and the Temera PHEV models. The limited edition Phenomeno, unveiled for the first time in the world on the 18th, is also equipped with a hybrid system.
As demand for eco-friendly cars increases in the domestic automobile market, hybrid cars are the most sold vehicles. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the domestic hybrid car sales in the first half of this year (283,642 units) increased by 24.6% compared to the same period last year. PHEVs saw a 113.7% increase to 7,287 units during the same period.