By Shawn Henry 
Porsche’s plans for the next generation of its 718 Cayman and Boxster have undergone significant changes as the automaker confronts slowing demand for electric sports cars and mounting engineering complications.
In 2022, Porsche confirmed that the mid-engine 718 lineup would transition from internal combustion power to a fully electric platform. The move was intended to address upcoming emissions regulations in the European Union and marked a major shift for two of the brand’s most recognizable sports cars. Development on the electric 718 progressed for several years, with test vehicles reportedly on the road as early as 2019.
As broader demand for electric vehicles began to level off, Porsche maintained its commitment to the electric 718 until September, when the company disclosed a revised approach during an investor presentation. Porsche announced that high-performance gasoline-powered variants, including the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster Spyder RS, would remain in production, while electric models would fill out the rest of the range.
That adjustment has reportedly created substantial engineering challenges. The electric platform was not designed to accommodate a traditional gasoline drivetrain. Engineers now face major packaging limitations, including the absence of a central tunnel and no provisions for a fuel tank, fuel lines, or exhaust system. Addressing those issues may require the development of an entirely new rear structure, as the existing architecture was never intended for an internal combustion engine.
Porsche has not finalized which engine would power the gasoline versions of the revised 718. According to reporting cited in the published information, a version of the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine introduced in 2020 is considered a leading candidate.
The shift comes amid broader industry signals that electric sports cars face limited demand. Other manufacturers have scaled back or reconsidered similar projects, reinforcing concerns about market appetite in this segment.
The 718 decision also aligns with Porsche’s broader strategic realignment announced in September. That plan included adjustments to its product portfolio, such as developing a new gasoline-powered Macan, converting a planned electric three-row SUV into a hybrid, and rescheduling certain electric vehicle launches.
Porsche has stated it still intends to offer an all-electric 718, though timelines remain uncertain. Leadership changes add further uncertainty, with CEO Oliver Blume set to step down at the end of December and Michael Leiters named as his successor.
While the electric version of the 718 may eventually reach production, the continued life of the gasoline-powered models reflects Porsche’s effort to balance regulatory pressures, engineering realities, and market demand as the sports car landscape continues to evolve.
John