Porsche confirms gas versions for next 718 Boxster and Cayman

Porsche confirms gas engines for next 718

Porsche stated in a September 19, 2025, product strategy update that it will add new combustion engine variants to the next 718 range, rather than going EV-only as previously planned.

Investor materials and subsequent coverage indicate Porsche will offer high-performance ICE derivatives of the next 718. This strategy is part of a “strategic realignment” to balance the future car lineup with a mix of gas, hybrid, and electric options.

High-performance 718 models expected to continue

This new plan is great for fans who enjoy the sound and feel of a powerful gas engine in Porsche’s sports cars. While the company did not confirm specific models, trims like the GT4 and GT4 RS are expected to continue using combustion engines in the next generation.

The existing gas-powered 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 uses a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine. This model produces 394 horsepower and can reach a top track speed of 179 mph, showcasing the high-performance capability of the existing gas lineup.

Flagship K1 SUV is now launching as gas/hybrid

The development of Porsche’s new flagship SUV, codenamed K1 and larger than the Cayenne, has undergone significant changes. The model was initially confirmed as a purely electric ‘brand-defining vehicle’ for the company’s future.

Porsche says the new SUV, positioned above the Cayenne, previously planned as an EV, will initially launch as a combustion and plug-in hybrid only. The large SUV, which is spied with an expected seven-seat layout, is now planned for arrival around the 2027 model year.

Massive financial hit from platform delays

The decision to delay the introduction of electric models and reschedule the new EV platform will lead to significant financial costs for the company. Porsche will incur a significant, one-time adverse financial impact due to these necessary changes in its product strategy.

Porsche anticipates that this strategic realignment will negatively impact its operating profit by approximately €1.8 billion (approximately $2.1 billion) in the 2025 financial year. The overall adverse effect on the parent Volkswagen Group’s operating result is anticipated to be around €5.1 billion.

Gas-powered Cayenne and Panamera life extended

The production life of the current gas-powered Cayenne SUV and Panamera sedan is being significantly extended. The company confirmed that these popular models will be available with combustion engines for a much longer period than previously planned.

The investor press release stated that both the Cayenne and Panamera will continue to be offered with gas and plug-in hybrid options well into the 2030s. This commitment includes adding “new generations of successor models” to the product plan for both vehicles.

New gas SUV successor will use front-biased AWD

The all-electric Macan SUV will be sold alongside a new, separate gas-powered successor, replacing the first-generation Macan after its production ends. The new gas model will use a platform different from the EV.

Multiple reports say the gas SUV will share VW Group’s PPC architecture (as used by the 2025 Audi Q5). Some outlets speculate that it could use a front-biased AWD setup; however, Porsche hasn’t confirmed the drivetrain specifics.

CEO Oliver Blume on strategy for the volatile market

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed, “We are experiencing massive changes within the automotive environment. That’s why we’re realigning Porsche across the board.” He noted the company must adapt to changing customer preferences.

Blume stated the company will offer a “convincing mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.” This strategy is intended to meet the “entire range of customer requirements” and support the company’s business model in the medium term.

Electric 718 and Cayenne planned to coexist

Despite the renewed commitment to gas engines, the new electric vehicle projects that are nearly ready will still be launched. The development of the electric 718 Boxster, Cayman, and Cayenne models is mainly complete.

Porsche says certain EV launches are delayed, but a BEV Cayenne and a future BEV 718 two-door remain in the lineup alongside ICE models.

Mission X hypercar concept not mentioned in strategy

The electric Mission X hypercar, which was unveiled as a concept in 2023, was noticeably absent from the recent investor briefing and press release detailing the new product strategy. This car was envisioned as the brand’s all-electric halo production car.

The Mission X was planned to be an all-electric model that would achieve a 1:1 metric power-to-weight ratio in kilograms per horsepower. The fact that its future was not addressed in the latest major strategy update suggests the project is no longer a near-term priority.

Past goal was 80% all-electric sales by 2030

This new mixed-powertrain strategy represents a significant step back from Porsche’s previously aggressive electrification goal, just a few years ago. The company had initially aimed for a nearly complete shift to electric sales.

Porsche has since said that achieving that level by 2030 depends on market conditions. The current realignment directly reacts to the “significantly slower growth” in market demand for luxury EVs.

Porsche’s past success with the Cayenne SUV

Porsche has a successful history of introducing entirely new types of vehicles to secure its financial future. Launching the first Cayenne SUV was a significant shift away from pure sports car tradition.

The first-generation Cayenne, which was co-developed with Volkswagen, was launched in 2002. Its profits were critical, allowing the company to invest in and develop its core sports car models, such as the 911 and 718, for years after its debut.

Panamera launch diversified the sports car brand

Following the success of the Cayenne SUV, Porsche made another significant change by introducing a four-door luxury sedan. The Panamera was a strategic move to attract buyers who required more interior space.

The Panamera was first unveiled at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show. The debut models included three 4.8L V-8 versions: the S, 4S, and Turbo, with the base Panamera S producing 400 horsepower.

Macan became Porsche’s best-selling model quickly

After the success of the larger Cayenne, Porsche introduced the smaller, mid-sized Macan SUV in 2014 to dominate another fast-growing market segment. The Macan quickly became a global sales powerhouse.

The Macan was introduced in 2014, selling 44,636 units that year. The first full calendar year of sales for the Macan was 2015, when it sold 80,216 units. In 2019, the Macan led Porsche’s lineup with 94,388 sales worldwide, ahead of the Cayenne’s 92,464.

Curious if the Taycan’s Sport Mode really lives up to its name? Dive into is Porsche Taycan Sport mode worth the hype?

First road-going hybrid integrated in the 911 GTS

Porsche is integrating electricity into its iconic sports car, the 911, not for range but for enhanced performance. The newest generation of the 911 GTS is the first road-legal 911 to use a hybrid system.

The 911 Carrera GTS features an innovative T-Hybrid system centered around a newly developed 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine. The total system power output for the 911 Carrera GTS is 532 horsepower (398 kW).

Want to see how Porsche is blending power with hybrid tech? Please look at Porsche’s reveal of its most powerful 911 yet with hybrid tech.

What’s your take on Porsche sticking with gas? Drop a comment.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.