High-end hybrids ahead?

Porsche made clear its intention to pursue hybrid drivetrain development with the reveal of the 918 RSR at the Detroit motor show this week but it's not just the sportscar maker that will exploit the technology.

Former Porsche board member for research and development, Wolfgang Durheimer told the Carsales Network that he is "a friend of hybrid technology" and therefore will investigate the potential to implement hybrid componentry to his new brand charges, Bentley and Bugatti.

Durheimer takes over from Franz-Josef Paefgen as managing director of the Bentley and Bugatti brands, as of February 1.

"I have to make these brands stable for the future as well. I think we have great possibilities to gain future synergies within this compound of valuable brands," says Durheimer.

"And probably nobody knows better what could be done in Weissach [Porsche HQ] and what could be in the carryover [brands] than me."

Durheimer's new job means the man behind the Cayenne and Panamera -- both to be released in diesel and hybrid forms this year -- will work with models like Bentley's 6.8 V8 Mulsanne and 6.0 W12 Continental Supersports, and whopping Bugatti 8.0 W16 Veyron.

Durheimer said he was under no pressure for a replacement Veyron. The next hi-po Super Sport version is reported confirmed and plans for the new model were likely underway before Durheimer agreed to the post. Perhaps equally important is lowering the consumption of the brands' current lineup...

Hybrid versions would certainly gain the makers green points: The Bentley models use around 17L/100km and the Bugatti wants 29L/km.

Durheimer received a handcrafted model of the 8.0-litre Bentley and the keys to W.O Bentley's 1930 8.0-litre Saloon from Paefgen during the handover ceremony at Detroit this week (pictured).

Paefgen retires after eight years as CEO and chairman of Bugatti and Bentley while 52 year-old Durheimer started with Porsche in 1999 after a long stint in BMW's motorcycle division.

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