13 hours ago
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Plans for the next-generation Porsche 718 to go all-electric appear to have changed, with the EV platform now coming in for a rework to accept petrol engines.
Electric Cars
The next generation of the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman – originally set to be electric cars – are now reportedly planned to be re-engineered to fit petrol engines.
Now a report by Autocar in the UK suggests – via a company insider – that current flagship petrol models will be used as a stop-gap while Porsche adapts the new electric-focused PPE Sport platform to accept internal combustion power, to follow the new-generation's initial appearance as EV-only.
The change forms part of what Porsche management is calling a ‘strategic realignment’ that sees the brand softening its approach to electrification, and moving to a wider portfolio of mixed powertrains. A move already seen across other European brands.
Other EV models will follow suit, with Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirming earlier in 2025 that a Macan-sized petrol and hybrid SUV was in development for a 2028 release.
It follows the controversial backflip on the decision to make the Macan range fully electric in its current generation.
The decision to rework the PPE Sport structure may prove difficult for Porsche, however, with Autocar reporting that the structural, load-bearing battery that underpins the new 78 models would need to be replaced with a new replacement structure.
The addition of a petrol engine behind the cabin would necessitate changes to the bulkhead and the addition of a new subframe to accommodate the engine and transmission.
Other challenges remain surrounding the packaging of the fuel tank, cooling system, and exhaust, which could see engineers forced to move to an entirely new rear structure to house the larger internal combustion powertrain.
Insiders claim that the new-generation petrol model will match the dynamic capabilities of the electric versions, which is described as having an ultra-low centre of gravity owing to the placement of its battery and motor.
The potentially lower weight of a combustion engine version could be leveraged to compensate for the need to place weight slightly higher in the car.
Although it’s not known which petrol engine will power the PPE Sport-platformed Cayman and Boxster, it’s likely combustion engine versions will be sold as high-end models, featuring a version of the high-performance 4.0-litre flat six used in the outgoing GTS, GT4, GT4 RS, and Spyder models.
The electric versions of the new Boxster and Cayman are set to be revealed in 2026, with the late decision to re-engineer the petrol models resulting in an introduction that could see petrol models delayed until years later.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
