Porsche may not bring back petrol-powered versions of the Cayman and Boxster, according to latest reports from Germany. The future of the 718 twins seem uncertain. The internal combustion engine (ICE) versions could be dropped completely, as part of Volkswagen Group’s broader restructuring plans.
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Volkswagen Group’s Strategic U-Turn May Kill The 718
A report by German newspaper Bild says that the Volkswagen Group, which owns Porsche, is considering discontinuing several models across its brands. These include cars from Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, and even Porsche.
Models like Cupra Raval, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Taos, Skoda Fabia, Audi Q6 e-tron and Q5 Sportbacks, the next Porsche Taycan, and the internal combustion engine-powered 718 twins (Boxster and Cayman) are among the affected.
The 718 Cayman and Boxster have both been very successful globally. They have always been popular among driving enthusiasts for their strong petrol engines and sharp handling. The cancellation news can be very disappointing for fans.
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Porsche’s Changing Plans For The 718 Family
Porsche’s plans for the 718 lineup have changed multiple times in recent years. The latest 982-generation Cayman and Boxster went out of production last year. They were originally supposed to be replaced by fully electric versions.
These upcoming electric models were being developed on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) Sport architecture. This platform is designed mainly for EVs and focuses on all-electric performance and efficiency.
However, demand for electric sports cars in the luxury segment has not been as strong as expected. Because of this, Porsche announced in 2025 that it would also consider bringing back petrol-powered versions, especially the high-performance variants.
Petrol Comeback Plans Now In Doubt
There were strong reports earlier that Porsche engineers were working on adapting the electric PPE platform to support petrol engines. This would have allowed the company to offer both electric and ICE versions of the 718.
Sources had even suggested that petrol engines could be offered across more variants, not just the top-end models. However, this plan was complex and expensive.
A key challenge was the structure of the EV platform itself. The battery pack in the electric 718 acts as a structural part of the car. To fit a petrol engine, Porsche would need major changes, including a new rear bulkhead and subframe. This would increase development time and cost significantly.
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Rising Costs And Delays Impact Decision
Further reports, including one from Bloomberg earlier this year, claimed that Porsche’s new CEO, Michael Leiters, is reviewing the entire 718 project.
Due to rising costs and delays in development, the company is now considering cancelling the electric Cayman and Boxster as well. It had also explored the idea of making the next 718 a plug-in hybrid, but that too would require a different platform and further increase costs.
This situation has created uncertainty about what the next-generation 718 will actually be, or whether it will arrive at all, in its planned form.
Porsche’s Broader Electrification Approach
Even as Porsche faces challenges with the 718, the company is moving ahead with electrification in other segments. However, it is also being cautious.
Michael Leiters has clearly stated that the Porsche 911, the brand’s most iconic model, will not go fully electric anytime soon. This shows that Porsche still values petrol engines, especially for its core sports cars.
