Porsche has reversed course on earlier plans and confirmed that the upcoming next generation of the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will continue to offer models powered by internal combustion engines. This matters a lot to enthusiasts who feared the entire line would go electric.
What Porsche Has Confirmed So Far
The current generation of the 718 is set to end production soon. But Porsche will introduce a new generation of 718 models which will include gas engine versions. These will likely be limited to the top trims.
Porsche is not planning hybrids here. The ICE versions will be purely combustion powered. Meanwhile the base or entry versions of the new 718 may still be electric. This split strategy gives Porsche flexibility to satisfy both purists and buyers leaning toward electric vehicles.
Why This Matters to Porsche and to Drivers
For one thing, it means Porsche has acknowledged that eliminating gas engines entirely would leave out many drivers who prefer the feedback, sound, and character of combustion. It’s also a response to market conditions as EV adoption is growing, but not everywhere, and costs and infrastructure vary by region.
Porsche appears to believe ICE still has value in the mix, especially for high-end variants where customers will still pay for performance first. We have no complaints.
Keeping gas engines alive in top 718 models also helps Porsche preserve its heritage. The 718 has always been cherished by drivers who love mid-engine balance, manual transmissions, and the visceral experience of traditional engines. Those experiences are harder to replicate with electric motors, even though EVs offer other advantages.
How This Fits into Porsche’s Broader Strategy
Porsche had originally planned to make the future 718 line electric-only. Now those plans are being adjusted. The ICE variants of 718 will arrive toward the end of the decade. Before that, Porsche will continue development of the electric versions. Entry EV versions may carry lower production numbers or less performance.
Other models will follow similar logic. Porsche says that future gas crossovers and SUVs will also offer combustion and/or plug-in hybrid versions in markets and trims where it makes sense. Porsche reaffirms it is not retiring all ICE models soon.
The 911 will remain combustion/hybrid for the time being. The Cayenne, Panamera, and other rear and front-engine models will continue having gas and hybrid options well into the 2030s.
What We Still Don’t Know
There are many details Porsche has not revealed yet. One big question is which exact gas engines will be used in the next 718 RS or equivalent model. Will the famous naturally aspirated flat-six return, or will it be turbocharged? Will a manual transmission be offered? Will these new gas 718s share their platform with the future EV 718 models, or will different architectures be used? These things will matter a lot to buyers.
Also unclear is pricing, weight differences versus EV versions, emissions compliance, and how many gas 718s will be built compared to their electric peers. The gap between performance, cost, and regulatory compliance will define how appealing the ICE versions turn out to be.
FAQs
Will all 718 models be gas powered in the future?
No. Porsche confirms that top performance trims will retain combustion engines, but base or entry versions will likely be electric.
Are the gas versions going to be hybrids?
No. Porsche has said the ICE models will be pure internal combustion without hybrid assistance.
When will the next-generation gas 718 arrive?
They are expected toward the end of the decade, after the current 982 generation wraps up.
What about the 911 and other Porsche models?
The 911 will not go fully electric this decade. Other Porsche gas models, like the Cayenne and Panamera, will continue to offer ICE and hybrid options well into the 2030s.
Why did Porsche change its earlier plan for electric-only 718s?
Porsche seems to be responding to market signals, regulatory realities, and customer preference. Electric vehicle adoption is strong but uneven, and many drivers still prefer the feel and sound of combustion engines. Porsche wants to serve both sides.
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