Allegedly, Porsche will extend the lifespan of the gas-powered 718 lineup, comprised of the Cayman and Boxster. The company initially culled the gasoline engine from the long-running entry-level model in favor of a new EV, but according to a new report, the brand has reversed course somewhat. Like so many other brands, it seems Porsche will now offer both as consumers hesitate on electrification.
The New Cayman And Boxster Could Be Gas-Powered Too
Porsche
Porsche will look to keep costs down amid its “strategic realignment.” Really, it’s corporate speak for “we’ve made a few mistakes in planning out our future products.” The brand will axe four-cylinder versions of the 718 lineup, as they may not be emissions-compliant in Europe. This follows initial comments made by the CEO a week ago, when he alluded to “taking into account” slowing demand for EVs.
New, high-end 718s will allegedly use the 911’s hybrid flat-six setup, according to an Autocar report. In addition to helping with Euro 7 emissions compliance, which will come into effect in 2026, the hybrid setup is allegedly shorter than the 911’s fully ICE-powered engine, which will help with packaging constraints owing to the smaller size of the 718. Porsche will also have to sort out how it will make the next-generation models pass European cybersecurity regulations, which killed off gas-powered models in Europe before production ended globally this year.
Porsche’s New SUV Strategy
Porsche
“We have seen a clear drop in demand for exclusive battery-electric cars and we are taking that into account,” said Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. The CEO’s comments came as the brand killed off its full-size electric “K1” SUV flagship. Other changes include the death of the electric Panamera and next-gen Taycan. Porsche’s platform that would have underpinned the large SUV will now arrive in the next decade instead.
The K1 SUV will now be launched with gasoline powertrains, including a hybrid, and a new “M1” Macan replacement will follow suit. Blume says the brand isn’t stepping away from electrification entirely, though: “They excite a specific and growing customer group.” However, that “specific” and “growing” group of customers clearly isn’t as much a priority for the brand at the moment, with the CEO emphasizing flexibility: “This flexibility gives us a strong position with a compelling mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.”
However, Porsche does still have electrified models on the way. The brand’s Cayenne Electric is nearly here, featuring big power and wireless charging (yes, just like your phone). Despite the arrival of the new EV, it’s clear Porsche’s reading of the tea leaves has led the brand to believe there is more time with combustion engines than previously thought. With long development cycles, it’s a guess Porsche can’t afford to be wrong about.
