Porsche Will Continue to Make Gas-Powered Boxsters and Caymans

The Porsche 718 has long been, pound-for-pound, one of the best cars in the world, a compromise car for those without the money for 911 or a dream car for those with the money for a 911 but with better taste. The 718 was also supposed to go all-electric around now, with the last internal combustion engine models rolling off factory floors next month. Except, now that’s not happening, according to Porsche, and the next generation of 718s will have ICE options, after all.

The about-face was announced last week in a press release aimed at the marqueMarqueA brand name of a car manufacturer, particularly one associated with prestige, such as Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, or Aston Martin. The term emphasizes a make's heritage and identity beyond product lines,Go to Marque Glossary’s investors. Porsche said it would have “Top ICE derivatives for the new 718,” which sounds like it will keep selling some of its most expensive Boxster and Cayman models as gas-powered cars. The brand still hasn’t said when the all-electric Boxster or Cayman will come out, but, for now at least, the automaker seems to be in less of a rush.

“Due to the delayed ramp-up of electric mobility, the market launch of certain all-electric vehicle models is planned to take place at a later date,” Porsche said in a news release.

That includes other EVs that had been expected from the automaker, like a new all-electric SUV that is bigger than the mid-sized Cayenne. That car is codenamed K1 and is reportedly a three-row, off-road capable, do-anything sort of SUV with a hefty six-figure price to match.

“Today, we have set the final steps in the realignment of our product strategy. We are currently experiencing massive changes within the automotive environment,” Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said in the release. “That’s why we’re realigning Porsche across the board.”

The continuation of the internal combustion engine 718s will be welcome news, especially for enthusiasts, because of the vast loyalty that car has inspired, prized for its driving dynamics, durability, and power, but not too much power, like many 911s. Electric versions of the 718 are highly anticipated too, given that, like the ICE versions, they will be Porsches, and also given that, with the Taycan, the marque has already made one of the greatest electric cars ever built. The EV 718 is still the 718 of the future, of course, even if the future has been delayed.

“With a convincing mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, we want to meet the entire range of customer requirements,” Blume said. “In the medium term, this approach is intended to support our business model and strengthen our market position.”

This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.