Porsche stops taking orders for gas 718 Boxster and Cayman in the US

Porsche’s iconic sports cars are ending production soon

Porsche has closed U.S. order books for the gasoline 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman as it winds down the current generation; production continues only to fulfill existing orders. After years of being the ultimate choice for driving enthusiasts, these sports cars will be phased out to make way for all-electric versions.

Although no new orders can be placed, there’s still a chance to buy from dealer stock if available. Once production ends, the 718’s gas-powered version will be a thing of the past, making way for electric replacements, expected to arrive by 2027.

A legacy of performance and style

The 718 lineage traces back to the Boxster’s 1996 debut, with the Cayman joining for 2006. The Boxster, in particular, introduced a mid-engine, two-seater sports car to a wider audience, offering exceptional performance and handling at a relatively accessible price.

The Cayman came along in 2006 as a hardtop alternative, enhancing the 718 range. Together, they built a loyal fanbase with their sharp handling, sleek design, and thrilling driving experience, qualities Porsche hopes to carry over into their future electric models.

The end of the gas powered era

The decision to end the production of gas-powered 718s comes as part of Porsche’s larger shift to electric vehicles. With stricter emission standards and increasing demand for cleaner energy, the brand is making the transition to fully electric options, starting with the 718 series.

For driving purists, this marks the loss of the signature roar from Porsche’s flat-six engines. While it’s bittersweet, the move also promises more sustainable, eco-friendly driving experiences with Porsche’s signature performance, now powered by electric motors instead of gasoline.

Electric 718 models on the way

Porsche is moving forward with all electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman, expected to hit the market around 2027. These new models will feature electric powertrains designed to offer lightning-fast acceleration and superior handling, similar to their gas-powered predecessors.

Prototypes of the electric 718 models have already been spotted testing on the road, giving a glimpse of what’s to come. While the electric version might have a quieter ride, it will still deliver the performance and thrill Porsche fans are expecting from this iconic sports car brand.

A shift toward sustainable driving

Porsche’s decision to embrace electric technology is driven by a growing focus on sustainability and reducing emissions. Porsche previously targeted >80% fully electric sales by 2030, a goal it has since described as dependent on market pace.

Though the transition to electric vehicles means saying goodbye to the classic gas-powered sports cars, Porsche promises that the new electric 718 models will carry the same spirit of performance and joy. The shift isn’t just about going green, it’s about evolving the driving experience.

What happens to the current 718 models?

While Porsche has closed the order books for the gas-powered 718 models, the current production run is still ongoing. The cars will continue to be available through existing dealer stock, but once the final orders are built, the gas-powered 718 will be a thing of the past.

For enthusiasts hoping to own a new 718, there is still time to grab a model from dealers who have unsold stock. However, once the final units are gone, the next chapter for Porsche will be focused on electric versions of the 718.

A look back at the 718 Boxster’s journey

The 718 Boxster first made waves when it was launched in 1996. It filled a gap in Porsche’s lineup, offering a more affordable and accessible option while maintaining the company’s commitment to performance. It was lightweight, agile, and, most importantly, a joy to drive.

Over the years, the Boxster evolved with updated engines, improved handling, and more modern styling, but it always stayed true to its roots. Fans of the 718 will remember it as the car that made Porsche driving more accessible, while still offering thrills behind the wheel.

The Cayman’s coupe appeal

In 2006, Porsche introduced the Cayman, a hardtop sibling to the 718 Boxster. The Cayman gave sports car fans a fixed-roof version of the Boxster, offering a slightly more rigid chassis, which resulted in better handling and track-ready performance.

Though it shared much of the same DNA as the Boxster, the Cayman became a favorite for those looking for more practicality with a unique driving experience. Its combination of sporty design, everyday usability, and razor-sharp handling made it one of Porsche’s most popular models.

Turbocharged power in the 718 models

The 2016 refresh introduced turbo flat-four engines for most trims, and from 2019–2020 Porsche reintroduced a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six in GT4/Spyder and later GTS 4.0 models. This change aimed to improve fuel efficiency while still maintaining the powerful performance.

While some Porsche enthusiasts mourned the loss of the classic six-cylinder sound, the turbocharged engines still provided excellent acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The change allowed Porsche to improve performance while meeting stricter environmental standards.

A sudden shift in the EV landscape

Porsche’s move toward electric cars is more than just a trend, it’s a response to the growing demand for sustainable driving. The stricter emissions regulations in Europe forced Porsche to rethink its gas-powered models, including the 718 Boxster and Cayman, leading to their eventual phase-out.

The shift reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where companies are increasingly prioritizing electric powertrains. As consumer interest in electric cars continues to rise, Porsche is positioning itself for the future with a focus on innovation and high-performance electric vehicles.

The road to 2027, delayed but still coming

The electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman were initially expected to be available sooner, but production delays have pushed their arrival to 2027. Factors such as battery supply chain issues and changes in market demand for electric sports cars have slowed the development process.

Despite these setbacks, Porsche remains committed to delivering an all-electric 718. The delay isn’t stopping the automaker from moving forward with the project, and prototypes of the electric models have already been spotted on the road, hinting at what fans can expect when they arrive.

Porsche’s commitment to innovation

For Porsche, transitioning to electric vehicles is about more than just reducing emissions, it’s about staying at the forefront of automotive technology. Porsche is known for its innovation, and the new electric 718 models will continue that tradition with cutting-edge features and performance.

The challenge for Porsche is ensuring that the electric 718 delivers the same driving dynamics as its gas-powered predecessors. With their expertise in performance engineering, Porsche is confident that their electric sports cars will meet the high standards set by the 718 legacy.

The changing face of performance cars

Electric cars are rapidly becoming a major force in the performance car world. Thanks to electric motors’ instant torque and blistering acceleration, EVs are redefining what it means to drive fast. In many ways, electric cars can outperform traditional gas-powered sports cars in terms of speed.

However, the true challenge for manufacturers like Porsche is to preserve the driving experience. Electric cars offer power, but will they be able to create the same connection with the road and the driver that a gas-powered Porsche is known for? That’s the key question moving forward.

What’s next for Porsche’s 911?

While the 718 Boxster and Cayman are going electric, the iconic Porsche 911 will continue to be offered with a gas engine for the time being. The 911 is Porsche’s flagship model, and the brand isn’t rushing to convert it to electric just yet.

This means that traditional Porsche fans can still enjoy the thrill of a gasoline-powered 911 for several more years. As for the future, Porsche has hinted that an electric 911 may be in the works, but the gas-powered version will remain a key part of the lineup for now.

Will electric 718s be better than gas models?

A big question for car enthusiasts is whether the new electric 718 models can replicate the driving experience of the gas-powered versions. Electric cars are known for their instant torque and smooth acceleration.

Porsche promises that the electric 718s will deliver performance that matches the spirit of the originals. Fans will have to wait and see if the electric models can capture the same excitement, but if anyone can do it, it’s Porsche.

Will electric sports cars really catch on?

While electric cars have taken the world by storm, electric sports cars are still a relatively new concept. Many car enthusiasts are curious about how well high-performance electric cars can match the thrill of traditional gas-powered sports cars.

With companies like Porsche leading the charge, the future of electric sports cars looks promising. The key will be maintaining the driving pleasure and connection that fans love while adapting to the new world of electric technology. It’s a balancing act that will define the future of performance cars.

Curious about the challenges Porsche faces in the electric shift? Check out how the race to electrify is shaking up the entire industry.

The future of performance is electric

The future of performance cars is undeniably electric. With Porsche’s push toward electric sports cars, the industry is shifting toward sustainable, high-performance vehicles that still offer the thrill of speed. These cars will be quicker, cleaner, and more innovative than ever before.

While electric cars offer many advantages, including zero emissions and instant torque, Porsche’s challenge will be keeping the heart and soul of the driving experience alive. With their legacy of innovation.

Wondering if Porsche’s electric performance really lives up to the hype? Dive into whether the Taycan’s Sport Mode is worth the excitement.

Excited about the future of electric performance? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and give us a thumbs up if you’re ready for the electric revolution.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.