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Porsche phases out internal-combustion 718 Cayman and Boxster ahead of EV relaunch
Porsche has confirmed it will stop taking new orders for the internal-combustion-engine (ICE) versions of the 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster roadster as it prepares to relaunch the pair exclusively as electric vehicles in 2026. The company will continue to fulfil existing orders and sell remaining stock, but no further ICE-generation 718 models are planned. In short: the 718 nameplate lives on, but its future is electric.
What Porsche announced
The Stuttgart firm has quietly removed order intake for new 718 Cayman and Boxster ICE models while preparing for an intended end of production next year. Customers with existing orders can expect their cars to be completed and delivered; demonstrator and on-the-lot cars remain available for purchase from dealer inventories. High-level Porsche sources have denied recent speculation that the decision to discontinue another combustion 718 generation could be reversed.
Why this matters
The decision marks a major milestone in Porsche's sports-car strategy. The 718 family — in various forms dating back to the Boxster in 1996 and the Cayman from 2005 — has for nearly three decades represented Porsche's compact, mid-engined sports-car offering. By choosing to transition the 718 to an electric-only future, Porsche is signaling a clear shift in how it intends to preserve the model's sporting character while meeting tightening emissions and electrification goals.
Timeline and model lineage
The fourth-generation 718 Cayman and Boxster have been on sale since 2016. The pair's lineage stretches back to the Boxster's debut in 1996 and the Cayman’s arrival in 2005, both of which re-established mid-engined sports cars within Porsche's portfolio and helped broaden the brand's customer base. The current ICE 718 generation will see production conclude next year, after which the badge will return solely on electric models.
Orders, dealer stock and delivery
Porsche's immediate action is pragmatic: no new orders are being accepted for ICE 718 models, but all confirmed orders will be honoured and dealer stock remains available. Prospective buyers who prefer combustion-power will need to move quickly while cars remain in inventory, or consider other Porsche models that remain ICE or hybrid for the time being.
The EV comeback: 718 Cayman and Boxster in 2026
Porsche intends to reintroduce the 718 nameplate as two electric models in 2026. These upcoming cars will be based on the Volkswagen Group's PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture — an EV-specific platform designed for performance, packaging flexibility and shared development across premium brands within the group.
Why PPE and what it offers
PPE is a dedicated electric architecture developed by the Volkswagen Group to underpin premium electric cars with rear- and all-wheel-drive capability, scalable battery modules, and fast-charging electrical architectures. For the 718s, PPE should provide a low-slung battery pack for a favorable centre of gravity, compact electric motors suited to a mid-to-rear weight distribution and the potential for high-voltage fast charging. Porsche will adapt the basic platform to meet the brand's tight handling and performance standards.
Design and packaging: how the electric 718s are expected to look and feel
Although Porsche says the new electric 718s are technically separate from the outgoing ICE models, testing mules (pictured below) show that the EVs will be positioned similarly in size and aesthetic intent to the current Cayman and Boxster. Expect familiar proportions — a compact wheelbase, short overhangs, and the classic mid-engined silhouette translated into an electric layout.
Exterior styling cues
Porsche design language is likely to maintain the 718's sporty, minimal silhouette but with EV-specific refinements: a smoother front fascia for improved aerodynamics, more integrated cooling and thermal-management detailing, and larger, aero-optimised wheels to balance efficiency and grip. Rear-airflow management and a distinctive diffuser treatment will likely be used to visually anchor the cars while aiding high-speed stability.
Interior and driver-focused cabin
Inside, the electric 718s should combine Porsche's driver-focused ergonomics with new digital architecture. Expect a compact, low seating position, short-throw steering, and a cockpit emphasising driving information. Porsche's current infotainment and driver-assistance systems will likely be upgraded with enhanced software features, over-the-air update capability, and tighter integration with performance modes tailored to track and road use.
Performance and driving dynamics
Porsche R&D chief Michael Steiner has indicated the upcoming EV 718s will be engineered to deliver a 'real sports car feeling', with attention paid to braking, chassis tuning and handling characteristics honed by motorsport experience. That commitment suggests Porsche will tune the electric system — motor mapping, torque delivery, regenerative braking and stability-control interventions — to produce a crisp, communicative response for drivers seeking analogue-like feedback in an electric package.
Powertrain architecture
PPE enables multiple powertrain configurations, and Porsche is likely to offer a range that spans single-motor rear-drive base models up to high-performance dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants. Porsche will tune the power delivery and thermal-management systems for sustained performance on road and track, with software-definable drive modes that prioritise range, comfort, dynamic control or outright performance.
Braking, suspension and chassis balance
Porsche's approach will include braking systems and chassis setups borrowed from motorsport lessons: high-performance regenerative braking blended seamlessly with mechanical brakes, adaptive dampers calibrated for precise weight transfer, and steering systems designed to deliver progressive feel. Engineers will focus on minimizing understeer at the limit and preserving steering feedback — critical elements for retaining the 718's sporting personality despite the heavier battery mass.
Provisional specifications — what to expect (estimates and likely ranges)
Exact technical figures have not been released. However, based on PPE capabilities and Porsche's positioning, plausible entry points and top-spec targets could include:
- Battery pack: likely in the range of 70–100 kWh usable capacity depending on model and battery chemistry choices.
- Power output: base models may offer 250–350 kW (340–470 PS); higher-performance variants could exceed 400 kW (544 PS) or more with dual-motor configurations.
- 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h): base EV 718s might achieve low-4-second times; performance models could dip into the sub-3.5s range.
- Range: WLTP estimates could vary significantly by spec, wheel choice and driving style, but expect a broad band from roughly 300–450 km (WLTP) for different trims.
- Charging: PPE cars typically support high-voltage DC fast charging; practical charging speeds may allow 10–80% sessions in under 30–40 minutes on high-power chargers, depending on final battery chemistry and thermal systems.
- Weight: battery packs will increase curb weight relative to ICE 718s, but Porsche will likely target an optimized weight distribution and reduced unsprung mass to preserve agility.
Note: these figures are provisional and intended to give a realistic expectation of the product family Porsche is preparing; Porsche will publish official figures closer to launch.
Market positioning and pricing strategy
Porsche will position electric 718 models as premium sports cars that slot beneath the Taycan in price and above entry-level roadsters, aiming to retain the 718's appeal to enthusiasts who value driver engagement and mid-engined dynamics. Pricing will account for battery and tech premiums but Porsche's brand strength and the cars' sporting intent should justify a price ladder aligned with current 718 pricing bands — plus a premium for high-performance EV variants and exclusive options.
Target buyers
The electric 718s are intended for drivers who want a focused sports car experience with modern EV convenience, including quiet acceleration, instant torque and lower local emissions. They will also appeal to Porsche collectors and brand loyalists who see the 718 as an entry point into the marque's sports-car lineage. For customers prioritising analog-sounding engines and the specific sensory experience of combustion, the window for buying ICE 718s is now clearly limited.
Competitors and segment comparisons
In the sports-car market, the electric 718s will face an evolving set of rivals. Direct electric competitors are still emerging, but several comparison points are relevant:
- Internal-combustion rivals: Alpine A110, Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ, BMW Z4 — these are lighter, often rear- or front-engined alternatives that emphasise low weight and mechanical feedback.
- Premium electric rivals: while few direct EV equivalents exist today, performance compact EVs from brands such as Tesla (Model 3 Performance), BMW (i4 M50) and specialized offerings from smaller manufacturers will set benchmarks for power and electronic control.
- In-house Porsche alternatives: the Taycan shows Porsche's electric performance capability, but the 718 EVs will aim for a more compact, driver-focused package distinct from the Taycan's saloon/gran-tourer remit.
Choosing between an ICE sports car and an EV is becoming a decision about driving characteristics rather than headline performance. Porsche's challenge will be to make the electric 718s feel as close as possible to the analogue sports-car experience while exploiting EV benefits like instantaneous torque and refined control systems.
Manufacturing and production: Zuffenhausen and the build plan
Originally Porsche planned to put the new EV 718s into production this year and briefly build them alongside existing ICE models at the Zuffenhausen facility. However, the launch was delayed — Porsche cites engineering complexity, software development and battery sourcing as the main impediments. As a result, the first electric 718s are now scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Why the delay matters
EV programmes require tight integration between hardware, software and battery supply chains. Porsche has emphasised software-defined functionality for driving dynamics and frequent over-the-air updates; this raises the stakes for software validation. Securing battery capacity with the right chemistry and thermal behaviour is also crucial for both performance and packaging. Delays, while frustrating for buyers, reflect industry-wide challenges as manufacturers scale EV production while maintaining premium quality standards.
Porsche's broader product strategy and how the 718 fits
Recently Porsche indicated a more flexible product portfolio approach, keeping some combustion and hybrid models in production into the 2030s. That strategy produced an ICE replacement for the Macan and an updated Cayenne that will exist alongside electric versions. But the 718 is a special case: Porsche has decided the nameplate will be electric-only going forward, reflecting the technical advantages and design opportunities PPE offers for a compact mid-engined sports car layout.
Why the 718 is unique
The 718's compact dimensions, mid-ship driving dynamics and niche customer base make it an ideal candidate for a focused EV reinvention. Electrification removes packaging constraints of a mid-mounted engine and opens doors to new chassis architectures, allowing engineers to pursue novel weight-distribution and torque-vectoring strategies while retaining the car's sporting soul.
Ownership, resale and enthusiast reaction
For current and prospective owners, the announcement raises several practical and emotional considerations. ICE 718s — especially low-mileage or limited-edition variants — may see increased desirability as the combustion models become finite in supply. Conversely, used prices for late-run ICE cars may be impacted by the prospect of readily available EV replacements, depending on buyer preference and regional emissions regulation trends.
Collectibility and future value
Limited production runs, special editions and memorable engine note often influence classic status. Some collectors will prize the final ICE 718s for historical reasons, particularly if Porsche produces commemorative models. For drivers who value day-to-day convenience and the performance characteristics of EVs, the electric 718s will offer a compelling modern alternative.
Comparing driving experiences: ICE vs EV 718
The transition from ICE to electric changes several sensory elements: engine sound, gearshift feel and the sit-up-for-power delivery of a combustion engine are replaced by near-silent acceleration, a single-speed drivetrain and instant torque. Porsche's engineering objective will be to preserve steering feel, chassis balance and brake modulation while exploiting EV benefits such as improved traction control, adaptive torque vectoring and precise torque orchestration.
What driving purists should know
Purists who value exhaust character and the specific tactile feel of a high-revving flat-four or flat-six may find EVs lacking in certain sensory dimensions. Porsche's task will be to replicate engagement through chassis cues, sound design and steering feedback rather than relying on engine noise. For many drivers, the trade-off — instantaneous acceleration, consistent lap times and lower local emissions — will be worthwhile.
Practical considerations for buyers
If you are considering a 718 in the near term, here are key points:
- Existing ICE orders: Porsche will fulfil confirmed orders. If you prefer a combustion 718, act quickly while dealer stock remains.
- Waiting for EVs: If you want the upcoming electric 718, expect a 2026 arrival and a staggered rollout of base and performance variants.
- Service and support: Porsche intends to support existing ICE models for years to come, but long-term maintenance and parts availability will evolve as the brand increases EV production.
- Insurance and running costs: EV ownership typically reduces fuel and maintenance costs but may alter insurance premiums and residual-value calculations. Check with insurers and fleet consultants before deciding.
What to expect next from Porsche and the 718 programme
Porsche will continue development work on the electric 718s, firm up specifications and reveal official performance figures closer to launch. Testing will remain intensive as engineers refine driving dynamics, thermal management and software calibrations. Porsche will also finalise trim levels, bespoke performance options and optional equipment to ensure the 718 EVs meet enthusiastic-driver expectations.
Conclusion: an era closes, a new one begins
The end of ICE production for the 718 Cayman and Boxster marks the close of a significant chapter in Porsche's history. Yet the 718 name will continue to embody Porsche's sporting values — now translated into an electric language. For buyers and enthusiasts, the coming years will be a period of transition: those seeking the last of the analogue 718 experience will need to move quickly, while others can look forward to a new generation of electric sports cars engineered to deliver the handling and excitement the 718 badge promises.
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