Next gen Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to get ICE powertrains

In a call to investors on September 19, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed that the next-gen 718 Boxster and Cayman will be internal combustion powered. This marks a major change from Porsche's initial plans to have an EV-only 718 line-up.

1. Only top models of the 718 Cayman and Boxster will be petrol powered
2. Macan petrol successor to be revealed soon
3. Flagship SUV positioned above Cayenne in the works

New-gen Porsche 718 petrol details

Top versions of the 718 Cayman and Boxster will get a petrol engine.

Only top versions of the next-gen 718 Boxster and Cayman would get a petrol engine. This indicates that the spicier Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 RS versions could continue, retaining the iconic 6-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the entry-level versions are expected to be powered by electric powertrains.

Porsche announces major strategy rejig

The CEO also confirmed that the Panamera and Cayenne's petrol and plug-in hybrid variants would recive major updates, keeping them in production ‘well into the 2030s’. The Cayenne Electric is slated to be revealed in 2026.

All new large SUV 'K1' to launch with internal combustion engine.

The large ‘K1’ SUV will sit above the Cayenne in Porsche’s SUV line-up. Dubbed ‘D-SUV’ by Porsche, the company unveiled plans for its launch with an EV powertrain in 2022. Now, however, it will launch with combustion and plug-in hybrid options on an unconfirmed date.

Porsche took decisions to stop the development of the SSP 61 ‘Sport’ version of the Volkswagen Group platform. This platform was supposed to underpin the upcoming ‘K1’ SUV, along with electric replacements for the Panamera and Taycan. The development of that platform has been postponed until the next decade.

Porsche CEO maintains stance on electrification

On Porsche's stance on electrification, Blume added that EVs still ‘excite a specific and growing customer group.’ On the other hand, he also stated, "We have seen a clear drop in demand for exclusive battery-electric cars, and we are taking that into account.” He also mentioned the company's profits taking a hit due to rising import tariffs imposed by the USA and decreasing demand in China. Blume stated that the flexibility of offering a mix of battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and internal combustion engine options will give Porsche a strong position.

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman in India

The Cayman was officially introduced in India in 'S' guise back in 2013. It was powered by a 3.4-litre flat-six engine putting out 317hp and 370Nm of torque, and was priced at Rs 93.99 lakh. The Boxster, meanwhile, was launched as the 718 Boxster along with the 718 Cayman in early 2017; it was powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 300hp and was priced from Rs 81 lakh, ex-showroom.

The faster 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 were launched in 2020. These versions retained the 4.0-litre, flat 6 naturally aspirated engine producing 420hp, and come only with a manual transmission. In late 2022, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS was launched with the same engine but power was bumped up to 500hp. However, its’s Boxster equivalent, the Spyder RS wasn’t launched here.

GTS 4.0 versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman were launched in 2022, with similar engines from the GT4 and Spyder, albeit detuned to produce 400hp. 

The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman were discontinued in 2024. According to our report earlier this month, the order books for the mid-engined sports cars were closed, with their production ending this October.

All prices, ex-showroom, India