IT was not a great 2025 for Porsche. The premium performance brand still posted a decent profit but made way less than anticipated, leading to talks of a new flagship model positioned about its current 911 and Cayenne range.
Porsche recorded 5 billion Euros (~RM22.7 billion) less in profit for 2025 over its 2024 numbers. In light of its crumbling gains, the carmaker is looking at higher profit margin models to boost its bank. The hint was alluded to by new Porsche CEO Michael Leiters during a press conference.
That was about all he let slip, though it is not difficult to paint a clearer picture. The potential model above the Cayenne is very likely the three-row K1 SUV first announced in 2022. This will finally open the door towards taking on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. This would also give the brand more leverage in North America against the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator.
It was initially supposed to be a battery electric (BEV) but will instead be launched with both internal combustion and plug-in hybrid variants. It will likely share the underpinnings of the upcoming Audi Q9.
A more interesting prospect however is the two-door sports car. The 991.2 911 GT2 RS iis coming but another high-performance variant of the 911 would be moot as it will not be regarded as special enough.
In this regard, something along the lines of a successor to the 918 Spyder would be a better fit to complete the current holy trinity of halo hypercars.
Back in the mid-2010s, the trinity comprised the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari and 918 Spyder. Ferrari and McLaren have followed up with the recent F80 and W1, leaving Porsche as the most glaring omission.
Zuffenhausen did release the spiritual successor to the 918 Spyder in 2023, the BEV Mission X. However, the new halo sports car will definitely not be a BEV, given the dwindling interest in that segment.
A tempting proposition would be to stuff a petrol or hybrid engine into the Mission X body. Porsche has patented a revolutionary six-stroke engine in 2024 and a wild tri-turbo W-18 with three cylinder banks. However, logically none of those will likely make it into production.
They could revive the twin-turbo 5.0-liter flat-eight mill it was designing for the 918 Spyder’s successor. Halfway through the higher-ups decided it was not right for them and shelved it. Dusting off something that was already in the works would be more financially sound over starting from scratch.
If the new halo sportscar does come to fruition, it will be a dream come through to see the modern day holy trinity finally completed.
The Sun Malaysia
