2023 Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman Style Edition | Photo: Porsche
Despite speculation that Porsche could extend the life of its current 718 Boxster and Cayman to sell them alongside their upcoming electric counterparts, the company has stopped taking new orders for both of its most affordable sports cars.
These speculations were the result of the automaker saying it would adopt a more flexible approach that would see both combustion-powered and electric models coexist well into the 2030s.
This change of strategy is what led to the decision to develop a new generation of the gas-powered Macan, which will join the new electric model that is currently on sale. The current Cayenne will also be updated in order to be sold into the next decade.
Unfortunately, sources within the automaker confirmed to British magazine Autocar that such a plan is not in the cards for the 718 Boxster and Cayman.
Therefore, once production ends next year, only the upcoming electric variant will revive the two names, which have adorned Porsche Sports cars since 1996 and 2005 respectively.
The company confirmed it will fulfil all current orders, but customers won’t be able to walk into a Porsche dealer and order a 718 to their liking anymore.
The electric 718 was initially meant to be introduced this year, which would have made for a smoother transition since both the current generation flat-4 powered Boxster and Cayman as well as the new EVs would have been produced simultaneously for a few months.
Delays related to software development, engineering, and battery sourcing have made this impossible, and there will be a period where no 718 version will be marketed.
While replacing these iconic sports cars with electric models is bound to ruffle some feathers, Porsche wants to reassure enthusiasts by saying that the new models will share their predecessor’s basic dimensions and philosophy.
In addition, the electric models, built on the automaker’s EV-only PPE platform, will feature a “real sports car feeling” thanks to braking and handling that have been tuned for motorsports, according to the brand’s R&D chief.
More details about the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman will be released in the coming months, ahead of the start of production in 2026.
Source: Autocar
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