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Porsche stops taking orders for the 718 Cayman and Boxster
For decades Porsche buyers could choose between three sports-car pillars: the evergreen 911, the mid-engined Cayman coupe, and the open-top Boxster. As of early September 2025, Porsche has confirmed a global halt to new orders for the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster. The move signals the beginning of the end for these entry-level, combustion-powered two-seaters and ushers in a new electric chapter for the nameplates.
Why orders were closed
The decision is the culmination of several trends: rising regulatory and cybersecurity requirements in markets such as the EU, an internal cost-benefit analysis around updating fourth-generation models introduced in 2016, and Porsche's strategic pivot to electrification. The 718 models were already pulled from European buyers in 2024 after failing to satisfy new cybersecurity regulations. Rather than invest in costly updates to the existing platform, Porsche allowed the pair to disappear quietly from some markets before taking the step to close global order books.
Final deliveries and production timeline
Both the Cayman and Boxster have been removed from Porsche’s online configurator and official price lists. Final deliveries are unofficially expected in some regions before March 2026, though Porsche has not provided a firm global production stop date. Industry reports indicate factory output could continue into 2026 to clear a backlog of dealer inventory and outstanding allocations. Earlier this year Porsche North America stated that production of current 718 variants, including RS models, is slated to end in October 2025 — a date that could vary by market.
For buyers who still want a factory-new combustion 718, the only remaining path will be unsold stock at dealerships. Demand was not the core issue: 2024 deliveries rose by roughly 15%, with more than 23,600 units sold worldwide. The interruption is primarily regulatory and strategic, reflecting Porsche’s broader electrification roadmap.
EV successors: what to expect
Porsche has confirmed the 718 nameplates will continue, but as fully electric sports cars. Prototypes of all-electric Cayman and Boxster variants have already been frequently sighted during road testing. The launch window is expected around 2026, when Porsche will introduce its first two-seat electric sports cars built on Volkswagen Group’s PPE architecture — the Premium Platform Electric shared with future Audi and Porsche models and currently used for the Macan EV.
Platform, powertrain, and battery architecture
The EV 718 duo will sit on the PPE electric architecture and are expected to be offered in single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Battery design will aim to emulate a mid-engine layout by placing a compact, high-density battery pack behind the seats to preserve a low center of gravity and the tactile dynamics drivers expect from Porsche. Insiders suggest base models will deliver north of 300 hp, while high-performance trims could surpass 400 hp and potentially approach 490 hp in Turbo or Turbo S equivalents.
Porsche emphasizes that the challenge is emotional as much as technical: replicating the sensory appeal of a flat-six or turbocharged flat-four within a silent, electric powertrain. Engineering priorities include motorsport-inspired chassis tuning, strong regenerative braking systems, and torque-vectoring controls to maintain the driving DNA of the originals.
Product features and technology highlights
Battery and charging
Expect modern fast-charging support and energy-dense battery chemistry optimized for power and thermal management rather than maximum range alone. Porsche’s approach will balance performance-oriented energy delivery with everyday usability and charging convenience compatible with CCS fast-charging infrastructure.
Software, cybersecurity, and connectivity
The move to an EV-only future arrives alongside increased software-defined vehicle capabilities. The new 718 models will rely on advanced vehicle software, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and hardened cybersecurity to meet stringent regulatory requirements — the very same rules that contributed to the combustion 718s being withdrawn from the European market in 2024.
Comparisons, advantages, and use cases
Combustion 718 vs EV 718
The combustion Cayman and Boxster were praised for balanced mid-engined handling, mechanical feedback, and the character of flat engines. Electric successors will deliver instantaneous torque, refined power delivery, and advanced traction control. Advantages of the EV 718s include faster acceleration across the rev range, simplified maintenance, and enhanced chassis control via software. Drawbacks will likely center on the loss of engine sound and the subjective feel that purists cherish.
Use cases
The EV 718s will cater to drivers who prioritize performance, daily usability, and digital features — track-day enthusiasts seeking consistent lap times and tech-savvy buyers looking for connectivity, OTA tuning, and electric efficiency. The combustion models remain attractive to collectors and enthusiasts who value the tactile, visceral experience of internal-combustion sports cars.
Market relevance and collectibility
These final combustion 718s could become sought-after collectibles. With production winding down and strong historical demand, limited-production variants and unsold dealer stock may appreciate among collectors. The original Boxster played a pivotal role in saving Porsche’s finances in the late 1990s, and the 718 lineage has introduced countless buyers to the marque. The transition to EVs preserves the badges but marks the end of nearly 30 years of mid-engined Porsche tradition in combustion form.
What this means for Porsche and the automotive industry
Porsche’s decision reflects a broader industry shift: automakers are prioritizing electric architecture, software ecosystems, cybersecurity compliance, and battery innovation. The 718 transition highlights trade-offs manufacturers face when balancing legacy platforms against the costs of regulatory compliance and the long-term benefits of electrification.
Final thoughts
For enthusiasts, the order closures represent an end of an era. For Porsche and tech-focused drivers, the incoming EV Cayman and Boxster promise an evolution in performance, vehicle software, and electric architecture that aims to retain the core driving ethos while embracing electrification, advanced battery systems, and next-generation connectivity.
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