(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – It wasn’t that long ago that Zuffenhausen wanted to focus uncompromisingly on electrification – with ambitious plans for a heavily EV-oriented portfolio of sports cars, sedans, and SUVs. But since the demand for electric cars, especially in the luxury and performance sectors, is not developing nearly as well as hoped, Porsche is now forced to adjust its strategy.
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The upcoming flagship SUV (internally: K1) with up to three rows of seats was originally intended as a purely electric car. Now, according to a new report from Autocar, Porsche is instead preparing powertrain options with V6 and V8 engines. The K1 is expected to share its platform with Audi’s future Q9 and receive a range of large-displacement gasoline engines.
Instead of the originally planned purely electric Scalable Systems Platform, the K1 will use the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). This step creates more flexibility, providing options for four-, five-, and seven-seat layouts as well as classic internal combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
As far as the engines are concerned, we expect Porsche’s existing 3.0-liter V6 and 4.0-liter V8 units. The performance data should be based on the current Cayenne range and – depending on the variant – cover around 350 to 740 hp.
The move aligns with statements made by Porsche CEO Oliver Blume last September. He explained that the K1’s orientation towards internal combustion engines better reflects “new market realities and changing customer desires.” However, a purely electric variant is still not ruled out.
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Photo gallery: Porsche K1 (2027) as a rendering by Motor1.com
Porsche is expected to launch the K1 approximately one year after the unveiling of the Audi Q9, which is expected in late 2026. Production will take place at the Volkswagen plant in Bratislava, Slovakia – alongside the Q9 and the Cayenne EV.
Motor1 says: Since EV momentum in the luxury segment still leaves much to be desired, Porsche’s decision to expand the powertrain options for the K1 is a pragmatic step. Variants with V6 and V8 could broaden the target audience for the Mercedes GLS competitor – while remaining open to later electrification.
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Source: Autocar
