Summary
- Porsche will phase out gas-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster next year for all-electric models.
- The performance of the new electric 718 Cayman and Boxster will have big shoes to fill compared to outgoing models.
- Details on the next-gen Cayman EV and Boxster EV remain unknown.
It was a matter of when and not if, Porsche will reportedly ax the internal combustion-powered 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster next year to make way for its all-electric successor. News came from renowned German automotive news outlet, Automobilwoche, who spoke with Porsche’s production Manager, Albrecht Reimold.
A new 718 will replace the old gas-powered model, but it’ll be all electric with the 718 Cayman EV taking the lead and the Boxster following later. Meaning, if you’ve been hoping to land that gas-powered 718 Cayman or Boxster in your driveway, you have until next year to get one, so you had better act fast.
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Saying Goodbye To Internal Combustion Power
It’s no mystery that Porsche is still charging ahead at full speed with its transition to all-electric powertrains, initially starting with the Taycan, followed by the soon-to-arrive Macan EV and now, the 718 Cayman EV and Boxster EV to the list. While the majority of Porsche’s lineup remains powered by classic refined dead dinosaur juice, it’s only a matter of time until they all disappear.
Once discontinued, the 718 Cayman and Boxster will say so-long to its current 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four and 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six. The soon-to-be outgoing turbo-four produces 350 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque, which catapults the Cayman and Boxster to 60 MPH from a standstill in under 4.5 seconds with both the PDK and manual. The outgoing 4.0-liter flat-six still produces a sonorous 394 hp and 309 lb-ft of twist (with the manual, 317 with the PDK), dropping the 60 MPH spring to 3.8 seconds for all the models with it. That said, the EV variants of these iconic sports cars have some big shoes to fill in terms of performance.
In terms of the specific time frame, Reimold reportedly told Automobilwoche that production for both the gas-powered Cayman and Boxster is scheduled to occur some time in the middle of 2025. While the end of its production may not be the total end of their availability next year, as selling out is dependent on depleting total inventory, it may still be possible to buy one through the end of 2025. That is, if they’re not all reserved and spoken for by then.
Still Awaiting Details On Next-Gen Cayman EV and Boxster EV
Porsche’s remained incredibly tight-lipped and secretive about the Cayman and Boxster’s electrified replacement. Though they did reportedly say that the new EVs will utilize a single rear-drive motor setup for the entry-level models while the faster, more powerful GTS will sport two electric motors and all-wheel drive. So far, the next EV set to launch in the near-future is the Macan EV with the Cayman and Boxster supposedly following sometime next year.
It may be a sad time, but it’s important to note that not everything is permanent. Not only will the second-hand market continue to exist for gas-powered Porsches, and probably cause values to skyrocket as a result, there’s a chance that Porsche may do what other automakers are currently doing in terms of their EV initiatives.
Porsche and its parent company, Volkswagen AG, may still be bullish about their EV offensive, but other automakers are dialing back and refocusing their efforts on gas-electric hybrid options and even improving preexisting internal combustion technology.
Source: Automobilwoche
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