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New digital renderings imagine the first electric 718 Cayman
Kolesa's latest illustrations show what could be the first-ever electric Porsche 718 Cayman — dressed in a striking yellow and riding on five double-spoke alloy wheels. Based on recent spy photos, these renderings offer a believable preview of the next-generation 718's look and hint at the styling direction Porsche may adopt.
Why the 718 launch has been delayed
Originally, Porsche planned to move the next-generation 718 Cayman and Boxster to battery-electric platforms only. Development took longer than expected because engineers continued refining the cars' handling characteristics. More recently, a slowdown in EV sales pushed Porsche to revisit strategy, and reports now suggest internal combustion — and electrified ICE options — could return to the 718 lineup.
Powertrain possibilities: hybrid, ICE or full EV?
What we know so far is mixed. The range-topping GT4 RS and Boxster Spyder RS are rumored to use an electrified system combining a flat-six engine and an electric motor — possibly borrowing the 3.6L twin-turbo flat-six and an electric motor architecture from the 911 GTS. That combination has been suggested to deliver roughly 532 bhp (397 kW / 540 PS) and about 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque — a meaningful step up from today’s top 718s.
Current high-performance 718 models produce about 493 bhp (368 kW / 500 PS) and 331 lb-ft (449 Nm) and sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) in around 3.2 seconds. The coupe hits a top speed near 191 mph (307 kph), with the convertible a little slower. If the hybridized GT4 RS uses the 911-derived electric help, expect quicker acceleration and higher peak output.
What about the battery-electric variants?
Leaked details suggest base electric 718 models would be rear-wheel drive with a single motor, while higher trims could use dual-motor all-wheel drive for sub-4-second 0–62 mph times. Battery packs remain undisclosed, but rumors place the cells behind the driver, possibly mounted vertically to preserve low center of gravity and the classic mid-engine layout feel.
Highlights:
- Realistic Kolesa renderings show evolutionary design, not a radical departure
- Range-topping hybrids could use a 3.6L twin-turbo flat-six plus electric motor
- Base EV versions expected to be single-motor RWD; top trims may be bi-motor AWD
Design and market positioning
The illustrated Cayman keeps Porsche’s familiar silhouette: short overhangs, muscular haunches and a clean, driver-focused cabin profile. This evolutionary approach makes sense — Porsche aims to retain the 718’s sports-car DNA while adapting to tightening emissions rules and shifting customer demand.
For buyers and enthusiasts, the 718’s future will likely be a balance: traditional flat-six excitement in performance variants, electrified or fully electric options for broader market appeal, and design cues that keep the Cayman unmistakably Porsche.
Do these Kolesa renderings reflect the production car? They’re plausible and informed by spy imagery, but final production details — from battery capacity to exact output figures — will only be confirmed at Porsche’s official reveal.
"If Porsche pairs a trusted flat-six with hybrid assistance, the result could be the best of both worlds: emotion and efficiency," one enthusiast comment captured from recent forums. Whether you prefer ICE growl or instant electric torque, the next 718 looks set to offer a compelling choice.
Source: autoevolution
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