Porsche engineers are currently working on how to package a hybrid powertrain within the 911’s body. The move is partly in order to lower CO2 emissions for the model’s eighth generation, which is due in 2018.

Porsche’s 911 product line director Erhard Mössle said: “There are discussions. It’s clear that we have to do something. We have to meet the CO2 regulations in 2020.

“The Volkswagen Group needs an answer to Tesla. The technology available is not far away from meeting our goals for such a car in terms of range and charging speed.”

Porsche already has hybrid powertrains in its Cayenne SUV and Panamera saloon, with both cars using the same supercharged 3.0-litre petrol engine in combination with an electric motor. The 918 Spyder also features a hybrid powertrain, which mates a 4.6-litre V8 engine with two electric motors.

As well as the option of a hybrid model, Porsche is also considering an all-electric version of the 911 in the same vein as the Audi R8 e-tron.

However, this model is not seen as a guaranteed production car. Mössle said Porsche would need to “look at what is the right time and whether there is the need for it. It’s expensive and you never know if you will get your money back.”

The next 911 will sit on a modified version of the MMB platform used by today’s car and will feature only mild styling changes. “The 911 is always an evolution, not a revolution,” said Mössle. “It will always be step by step.”