This 911 call is familiar

The news of the Porsche 911 going hybrid caused flutters. But the new model retains the essence of the legacy sports car

- HORMAZD SORABJEE

"Change is a constant," goes the cliché, but in the automotive world, change moves at warp speed, especially in the manic transition to electrification. One car that has resolutely resisted change for over six decades is the Porsche 911. The commitment to its core identity is why it has become arguably the most iconic sports car of all time.

It hasn't escaped the odd radical change, and each one was met with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The shift from the distinctive aircooled flat-six, a 911 hallmark, to liquid cooling, raised eyebrows among purists. The switch from hydraulic to electric power steering did too. But ultimately, the new tech was embraced and it enhanced the 911's appeal.