Porsche Drops Current Diesel Models

Porsche AG has stopped building its two current diesel models, which are variants of the Macan S crossover and Panamera 4S sedan (pictured). But the company hasn’t ruled out offering new oil burners in the future, Autocar reports.​​​​​​

The decision reflects the cultural shift of the brand's customers, according to company officials. But the carmaker isn’t ready to pull the plug on all diesel models forever, an unnamed company source tells the U.K.-based enthusiast magazine.

Last summer Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said the company was considering eventually phasing out diesel engines. At the time, he indicated a decision wouldn’t be made until 2019 and that Porsche would likely continue to offer diesel options for at least another 10 years.

Diesel sales fell to less than 15% of Porsche’s global sales in the last two years following parent Volkswagen Group’s diesel emission cheating scandal. VW’s Audi unit supplies Porsche’s 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engines.

Porsche launched its first diesel model with the introduction of the Cayenne crossover vehicle in 2009 in Europe, followed by the vehicle’s U.S. debut in 2012. The third-generation Cayenne, which bowed last autumn, doesn’t offer a diesel option.

Porsche would have had to rework the diesel systems in the Macan and Panamera to meet new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure standards, Autocar notes. Instead, the carmaker is increasingly focusing its attention on electrified powertrains, which are expected to account for one-fourth of Porsche’s sales by 2025.