Porsche U-Turns on 718 Strategy: Combustion-Powered Boxster and Cayman to Return Alongside EVs

Porsche has officially confirmed a dramatic shift in its electrification strategy, one that will thrill purists but only truly benefit the wealthiest enthusiasts. The next-generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman, which were originally announced as EV-only sports cars, will now also receive limited internal combustion engine (ICE) variants. These highly exclusive models will sit at the very top of the 718 lineup, commanding premium prices and offering a rare opportunity for die-hard fans to hold onto six-cylinder petrol power.

Why Porsche Changed Its Mind

The announcement was made during an investor call late last week, where CEO Oliver Blume admitted that the global EV market is no longer growing at the pace Porsche expected when it originally conceived its product strategy. The slowdown in demand for all-electric models forced the company to reassess, pivoting back toward combustion and hybrid engines in order to maintain balance within its portfolio.

This U-turn echoes Porsche’s past mistakes—such as thinking the 928 could replace the iconic 911—and shows the brand’s willingness to adapt when necessary. Just as it corrected course decades ago with the 911, Porsche is once again listening to its enthusiasts and acknowledging the enduring appeal of high-performance combustion engines.

What We Know About the New 718 Range

The next Boxster and Cayman EVs are still on track to debut in 2026, powered by single- and dual-motor electric drivetrains. However, the newly confirmed ICE variants will arrive later in the model cycle as halo cars designed to keep enthusiasts emotionally invested.

Although Porsche has not released specific details, it is widely believed that replacements for the Cayman GT4, GT4 RS, and 718 Spyder will carry over naturally aspirated six-cylinder petrol engines. These models are expected to deliver the kind of visceral driving experience EVs have struggled to replicate. Earlier reports indicated Porsche engineers faced difficulties getting EV prototypes to match the balance and agility of their combustion predecessors.

While the ICE versions may still be slower in a straight line compared to dual-motor AWD EVs, they could outperform them on a racetrack—making them the “enthusiast’s choice” and justifying their elevated price tags.

Porsche Expands Backtracking Beyond the 718

The 718 lineup isn’t the only part of Porsche’s portfolio being reshaped. The automaker also confirmed a reversal on its SUV strategy:

• The Porsche Macan will no longer transition to an EV-only lineup. Instead, it will receive an updated ICE and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range before the end of the decade.
• The upcoming flagship SUV, codenamed K1, originally intended as a full BEV, will now skip an all-electric option entirely and launch with combustion and hybrid engines instead.

This shift signals Porsche’s recognition that the luxury sports car market cannot yet fully abandon combustion power without alienating a core base of customers.

What This Means for Enthusiasts and the Market

The return of combustion engines to the Porsche 718 lineup underscores a broader trend in the auto industry: a recalibration of electrification timelines. Enthusiasts who feared the extinction of petrol-powered Porsche sports cars can breathe a sigh of relief—though the exclusivity and price point mean only a select few will have the chance to own them.

Meanwhile, Porsche continues to straddle the line between innovation and tradition, seeking to preserve its identity while navigating an uncertain EV market. For fans of the brand, this could mean the best of both worlds: cutting-edge electric performance for the masses, and raw combustion emotion for those who crave it most.