In 1900 Ferdinand Porsche, founding father of the present-day Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, entered unchartered territory. With the first functional, full-hybrid car in the world, the 'Semper Vivus' ('always alive'), the principle of the serial hybrid drive was born.

 

In a stunning four year project the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart had the Semper Vivus recreated. 111 years after this ground breaking innovation by Ferdinand Porsche the Semper Vivus will again drive into the limelight at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 followed by future appearances as part of the Porsche Museum collection in Stuttgart.

 

Originally developed for the Lohner motor company, the Porsche "Semper Vivus“ boasted two combustion engines and electrical wheel hub motors, the combination fully capable of storing energy in a battery.

 

Source: Porsche AG Press Service

 

Editor's note: we anxiously await the comment from Messrs Clarkson, Hammond and May of Top Gear, not forgetting a full road test by The Stig.