The Proper Porsche 718 Has Less Than Six Months To Live
Porsche’s combustion-propelled mid-engine sports cars are headed into the sunset, and there's no real replacement on the horizon.
Key Points
- Porsche will stop building the current 718 Boxster and Cayman models this fall, with no immediate replacement.
- Originally slated for 2026, the all-electric replacements have been pushed to at least 2027 due to battery development challenges and uncertain EV demand.
- The 718 lineup saw a 26% sales increase in 2024 and outsold both the Taycan and Panamera in the U.S. last year.
Production of the fourth-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman will end in October, Porsche Cars North America has confirmed. We knew this was coming—the cars are like a decade old at this point—but the timing is a bit unfortunate, especially as Porsche struggles with electric successors, which are now delayed until 2027.
The next-generation Boxster and Cayman were originally expected in 2026. The EV replacements were designed from the outset to be electric-only models, but issues with battery development have dragged the pace of development, and now, slowing EV demand is forcing Porsche to reconsider some of its choices.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said the cars’ arrival will happen in the “medium term,” which tracks with a 2027 launch at the earliest. The company is keeping quiet on the timeline and hasn’t confirmed whether the next 718 models will stick to the EV-only strategy or if the automaker will work to adapt the car for a combustion powertrain as well.
This gap in production is more than just an inconvenience. The 718 lineup moved nearly 5,700 units in the U.S. last year, outperforming both the Taycan and Panamera, but not the 911. So, if you want one, you better get on it because October is coming fast.
It's going to be the first time in over two decades that Porsche won't be offering a performance model below the 911—you better believe that's going to put a ton of pressure on the used market as well.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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