Porsche Announces End of Gas-Powered 718 Cayman and Boxster by 2025; Future Looks Electric
In a landmark decision that marks the end of an era, Porsche has officially confirmed that production of its internal combustion engine (ICE) 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster will cease by the end of 2025. This highly anticipated move aligns with Porsche’s broader commitment to electrification and the forthcoming release of the electric versions of the 718 models. While the news has elicited mixed reactions, with some viewing it with dread and others with excitement, it definitively sets the stage for Porsche’s transition into a new era of automotive technology.
European Transition and Global Implications
For those in Europe, the changing landscape has already taken form due to stringent EV-centric motor vehicle regulations. The current ICE versions of the Cayman, Boxster, and even the gas-powered Macans have already been phased out of the market for several months. To accommodate other regions, including the U.S., production for the final units of these iconic models will continue until mid-2025.
The Last of Its Kind
As of now, the 718 duo holds the distinction of being the last Porsche models not yet adapted to hybridization or full electrification. Even the legendary Porsche 911 is set to debut a hybrid powertrain in its forthcoming "992.2" facelift models. The specifics regarding the all-electric 718 Cayman EV remain limited, with much of the available information driven by speculation and creative conjecture. However, what is clear is that enthusiasts will soon have their last chance to purchase a gas-powered Cayman or Boxster.
Optimism Amid Transition
Despite the looming phase-out, there may be a glimmer of hope for purists. Speculation abounds about the potential for hybrid powertrains in future special editions, like an RS variant or anniversary models. Albrecht Reimold, Porsche’s Production Manager, did not completely rule out the possibility of non-EV powertrains being incorporated from other platforms, leaving room for what could be hopeful wishful thinking.
Porsche’s Electrification Strategy
Reimold further elaborated that he had driven a prototype of the 718 EV, labeling it a “real fun car,” and reinforcing Porsche’s reputation for fulfilling such promises. The Porsche Taycan, the company’s first fully-electric model, has already set the stage for Porsche’s EV ambitions, demonstrating their commitment to sustaining the brand’s core performance values in an electric format.
While the 718 EV will not be Porsche’s first all-electric model—that honor goes to the Taycan and the upcoming Macan EV—it will have the distinction of being their first electric sports car. This milestone represents a significant point in Porsche’s history, potentially serving as a template for future 2-door coupes and convertibles with electric drivetrains.
The Broader Context and Future Prospects
As Porsche advances its electrification strategy, the debate over the merits of EVs versus ICE vehicles will undoubtedly continue. However, Porsche is not completely closing the door on the combustion engine. Their investment in eFuel technology aims to create a sustainable pathway for ICE vehicles, contributing to a greener environmental equation and maintaining a connection to their historic roots.
Artist’s Rendering and Future Vision
An artist’s rendering showcased by Car and Driver hints at what the future might hold for these iconic models. With Porsche’s first electric sports cars on the horizon, enthusiasts and purists alike are eager to see how the brand will integrate its storied heritage with cutting-edge technology.
Ultimately, while the end of the gas-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster marks a significant shift, it also signals a new chapter for Porsche. As the company continues to navigate the balance between tradition and innovation, the automotive world watches with keen interest, knowing that Porsche’s journey through this electrified avenue will be as dynamic and exhilarating as its storied past.
