Porsche to Reveal Flat-Eight 'S1' Hypercar Amid Deep Cuts
Porsche is reportedly developing a new flagship supercar, internally codenamed 'S1,' which will feature a flat-eight engine. The model is expected to cost approximately €500,000 and may be previewed at the company’s Capital Markets Day on October 7. This move signals a strategic pivot toward exclusivity and high-margin combustion vehicles, coinciding with plans to cut an additional 4,100 jobs and reduce annual production to 200,000 units.
Key points
- The 'S1' is a standalone model positioned above the 911, not a derivative of the current sports car lineup.
- It will likely utilize a flat-eight boxer engine, a configuration Porsche has used in racing but never in production road cars.
- CEO Michael Leiters aims to reduce annual output to 200,000 vehicles, reversing previous targets of 350,000 to 400,000.
- The company plans to cut 4,100 additional jobs by 2035, on top of 9,000 reductions already committed.
- The new strategy prioritizes profitability through fewer, more expensive vehicles rather than volume sales.
Background
Porsche has not launched a dedicated hypercar since the 918 Spyder ended production in 2015. A potential successor, the 919 Street, remained a clay model. In early 2026, Porsche hinted at a 'hypercar' to replace the 911’s top-tier status. Recent reports suggest the 'S1' is the realization of this plan, moving away from previous rumors of an Audi Nuvolari-based platform. The brand is currently navigating a downturn in China and a strategic retreat from its previous aggressive electric vehicle expansion.
How outlets are covering it
Handelsblatt, cited by Carscoops and Motor1, confirms the 'S1' name, price point, and flat-eight engine. The Drive notes that while Porsche previously tested a flat-eight prototype in a Cayman chassis, it was scrapped as 'not the right car for that moment.' Jalopnik highlights that this move rejects earlier speculation of a rebadged Audi Nuvolari, favoring a bespoke Porsche design. While Carscoops and The Drive report on the 4,100 job cuts, The Drive notes that CEO Michael Leiters denied these specific figures in an internal memo, though the broader restructuring is acknowledged. All sources agree the S1 is a standalone model, not a 911 variant.
Why it matters
The S1 represents a fundamental shift in Porsche’s business model, moving from volume-based growth to exclusivity and high-margin combustion power. It signals that the brand is doubling down on internal combustion technology despite industry-wide electrification trends. The simultaneous reduction in workforce and production volume indicates a focus on financial stability and brand prestige over market share, potentially setting a new precedent for luxury automakers facing economic headwinds.
What to watch
Porsche is expected to reveal details of the S1 and its new strategic plan at the Capital Markets Day on October 7. Investors may also see updates on the electric 718, a new crossover related to the Audi Q5, and the return of the 911 GT2 RS. The job cuts are expected to be finalized by 2035, and the company aims to reach its reduced production target of 200,000 vehicles annually.
- Porsche Might Be Working On A New Eight-Cylinder Flagship Supercar Carscoops
- Porsche Is Planning A New Supercar With A Flat-Eight Engine: Report Motor1.com
- Porsche Is Cutting Production to 200,000 Units and Building a $574,000 USD Supercar Called the S1 Hypebeast
- A Flat-Eight Porsche Hypercar Is Looking Increasingly Likely: TDS The Drive
- Forget A Nuvolari Rebadge, Porsche Is Now Planning A Halo Supercar With A Flat-8 Jalopnik
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