The Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster have just been given an unexpected lifeline. While Porsche CEO Oliver Blume didn’t use those exact words during an investor call late Friday, his message was clear enough: production of the current combustion-powered models will be extended. At the same time, certain EV projects are being pushed back, and more combustion variants are still in the pipeline—including “top” versions of the next-generation Cayman and Boxster.
For enthusiasts, it’s a huge win. Fans of Porsche sports cars who love the sound and feel of a traditional engine now have more time to enjoy them. For investors, however, the news isn’t quite as thrilling. Extending combustion production while delaying EVs signals a financial challenge ahead, even if it keeps Porsche’s core sports cars alive and exciting for a little longer.
Good News For The 718 Cayman
According to Porsche’s latest investor press release, “The existing combustion engine models will remain available for a longer period. New generations of successor models have been added to the Cycle Plan for these vehicle models.”
In plain terms, that means Porsche isn’t letting go of its combustion cars anytime soon. The reference to “new generations of successor models” points directly to the Cayenne and Panamera. Both had already been confirmed to carry their V8 engines into 2030 and beyond, but now Porsche has made it clear these models will continue with a strong combustion-powered future well past that date.
For fans of Porsche’s big, powerful engines, this is very welcome news. It’s a sign that while the brand is exploring EVs, it’s not about to abandon the roar of a V8 just yet.
The press release doesn’t make it entirely clear whether the 718 Cayman and Boxster fall under Porsche’s category of “existing combustion models.” After all, orders for the current generation have already closed, and the fully electric next-gen version is expected to debut soon.
However, during the investor call, a presentation slide confirmed that Porsche is planning “top ICE derivatives for new 718.” What that suggests is interesting. The current generation may still be finished, but the next generation won’t be exclusively electric. At the very least, high-performance versions like the GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS will continue to feature combustion power.
For enthusiasts, that’s a huge sigh of relief. It means the 718 isn’t about to lose its raw, high-revving personality—even as Porsche moves deeper into electrification.
Flagship EVs Delayed, Combustion Replacements To Be Prioritized
While the news about Porsche’s beloved sports cars was enough to get enthusiasts buzzing, CEO Oliver Blume also shared some surprising updates on Porsche’s broader strategy. The brand’s upcoming halo SUV, positioned above the Cayenne and known internally as the K1, was originally set to launch as an all-electric model. That plan has changed.
Porsche now says that, because of current market conditions, the K1 will debut with combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains only. The company calls vehicles like this “brand-defining models,” and clearly isn’t ready to gamble on going EV-only in such an important segment.
There’s also a big shift behind the scenes. The SSP 61 “Sport” platform—intended to underpin the K1, the electric Panamera, and the next-generation Taycan—is being pushed back well into the 2030s. That delay comes with a hefty price tag: Porsche is taking a €1.8 billion (about $2.1 billion) financial hit. Ouch.
For buyers, it means Porsche is doubling down on combustion and hybrid power for now. For investors, though, the delay in the brand’s EV roadmap is a costly setback.
Porsche’s renewed push for combustion and hybrid power doesn’t stop with its halo SUV. The Macan, which has just gone fully electric in its latest generation, is now set to get a combustion-powered sibling. It might not carry the Macan name, but it will slot alongside it in the lineup.
What makes this model especially interesting is its layout. Unlike Porsche’s traditional setups, this one will feature a front-biased all-wheel-drive system—a major departure from anything the brand has done before. For Porsche, it signals a willingness to experiment with new configurations as it tries to balance the demands of electrification with the enduring appeal of combustion engines.
No Update On Porsche Mission X Hypercar
Electric vehicles aren’t disappearing from Porsche’s lineup anytime soon. The company says current EV projects are moving forward as planned, with the electric 718 Cayman, Boxster, and Cayenne all still on schedule. Development on these models is nearly finished, but they won’t replace their combustion counterparts. Instead, they’ll live alongside them for an extended period.
Interestingly, the electric Cayman and Boxster may not even carry the “718” name. In its release, Porsche only referred to them as a “future two-door sports car in the 718 segment,” hinting at a possible rebrand.
CEO Oliver Blume also acknowledged the bigger picture: EV adoption has slowed significantly compared to earlier predictions. Rather than pushing customers into EVs purely to satisfy regulations, Porsche wants to keep offering the cars people actually want to buy—whether that means combustion, hybrid, or electric. For fans, it’s a clear sign Porsche is trying to strike a balance between tradition and innovation.
One curious omission from Oliver Blume’s remarks and Porsche’s latest press release was the Mission X hypercar. Unveiled as an all-electric concept boasting a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio and Nürburgring record-breaking ambitions, it was widely believed to be destined for production. But that was back in 2023, when the EV future still looked bright. Fast-forward to today, and Mission X feels more like “Mission Impossible.” Its absence from Porsche’s updated product strategy hints that even the company itself isn’t sure what to do with the project.
Blume summed up Porsche’s current thinking this way:
“Today we have set the final steps in the realignment of our product strategy. We are currently experiencing massive changes within the automotive environment. That’s why we’re realigning Porsche across the board […] With a convincing mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, we want to meet the entire range of customer requirements. In the medium term, this approach is intended to support our business model and strengthen our market position.”
In other words, Porsche is reshaping itself to cover all bases—gasoline, hybrid, and electric. And while that may be the smart business move, it leaves the fate of its most ambitious EV halo car in serious doubt.
FAQ’s
1. Is Porsche discontinuing its gas powered Boxster and Cayman vehicles?
Yes. Porsche has confirmed that the gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman will end production in 2025. The company plans to replace them with fully electric versions in the near future.
2. Is the Porsche 718 fuel efficient?
For a sports car, yes, it’s fairly efficient. Most 718 models get around 23–25 miles per gallon in mixed driving. Still, if you push the car hard, it will use more fuel than an everyday sedan.
3. Did the Boxster save Porsche?
In many ways, yes. When Porsche launched the Boxster in the mid-1990s, the brand was struggling. The Boxster sold well, brought in new customers, and gave Porsche the financial boost it needed to survive and grow.
4. What is the difference between Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster?
The Boxster is a convertible with a folding roof, while the Cayman is a hard-top coupe. They share engines and most features, but the Boxster gives you open-air driving, and the Cayman offers a stiffer, quieter ride.