Porsche Confirms Gas-Powered 718s Are Dead; Electric Boxster and Cayman to Launch in 2028

Key points

• Porsche’s Head of Corporate Communications, Matthias Rauter, clarified that a gas-powered 718 was never officially approved for production, meaning it was not technically canceled but rather never confirmed.
• The 2026 Capital Markets Day strategy focuses solely on electric models for the 718 series, with full production expected to begin in 2028 and a debut likely in 2027.
• The new electric 718s will use an 'E-Core' battery layout behind the seats to maintain mid-engine weight distribution and a low seating position.
• Porsche is introducing an 'E-Shift' system that uses overboost to simulate gear shifts, along with artificial sound to mimic a high-revving flat-six engine.
• While the 718s go electric, Porsche will continue to develop combustion and plug-in hybrid engines for other models, including a new Macan replacement and the 911.

Background

In early 2022, Porsche announced plans for the next-generation 718 to include both electric and combustion engines, with the latter reserved for top-tier models. However, recent strategic shifts have prioritized electrification for this specific lineup. This move aligns with broader industry trends, as brands like Alpine and Caterham also transition their lightweight sports cars to electric power. Meanwhile, Porsche continues to support internal combustion engines in other segments, such as the upcoming Macan SUV and the 911, which remains outside the all-electric transition plan.

How outlets are covering it

Motor1 and The Supercar Blog emphasize the finality of the decision, noting that while the gas-powered 718 was never officially approved, its absence is a significant loss for enthusiasts who valued the mid-engine layout. MotorTrend offers a more optimistic view, reporting that a prototype ride in Weissach, Germany, demonstrated that the electric Boxster retains the feel, sound, and dynamics of its gas-powered predecessor. Car and Driver’s coverage, though largely obscured by technical code in the source, suggests the new EV feels 'shockingly familiar' to drivers. There is a clear divide between outlets focusing on the loss of traditional ICE technology and those highlighting the technological innovations that aim to preserve the driving experience.

Why it matters

This decision marks a pivotal moment for Porsche’s sports car lineup, signaling that even iconic mid-engine models are transitioning to electric power. It highlights the broader industry shift toward electrification, driven by emissions regulations, and raises questions about whether enthusiasts will accept EVs as replacements for traditional sports cars. The success of the electric 718 could influence the future of other lightweight, driver-focused sports cars from brands like Alpine and Caterham.

What to watch

The electric Boxster and Cayman are expected to be revealed in 2027, with full production beginning in 2028. Porsche will also debut a Mission S concept on October 15, previewing a future hypercar positioned above the 911. Additionally, a new combustion and plug-in hybrid SUV to replace the Macan is slated for 2028, and closer collaboration between Porsche and Audi on both electric and combustion models is planned to reduce costs and speed up development.