The gas-powered Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman models are being discontinued in Europe as an all-electric version approaches its debut.
Porsche retires gas-powered 718 Boxster, Cayman cars
After announcing plans to retire its best-selling SUV in Europe, the Macan, Porsche will do the same with its 718 Boxster and Cayman models.
Porsche retired the gas-powered Macan early due to new cybersecurity rules. Its availability ends in July 2024. The gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman are now set for the same fate.
In a statement to Auto Express, Porsche said as a result of the rule changes “sale of the 718 models with an internal combustion engine is discontinued in the EU and some states that apply EU legislation from now on, thereby ensuring that the vehicles can be delivered to customers and registered by the deadline.”
Porsche did note the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Spyder RS are not impacted “due to small series regulations.”
Although the regulation applies to all vehicles (ICE and EV), Porsche is preparing to launch an all-electric 718 model. It’s not expected to have any issues with the new rules.
Like with the Macan, updating the gas-powered version would be too costly with an electric model rolling out anyways.
Porsche’s electric 718 is getting closer to production ahead of its debut. We got a sneak peek of the EV this week after it was spotted testing in the Arctic Circle rocking production headlights.
Top comment by EhCanadian
"updating the gas-powered version would be too costly"
I buy that argument for the Macan, but the Boxster shares so many components with the 911, it should be a relatively low-effort to apply the 911's updates to the Boxster. Either Porsche has absolutely no faith in ICEVs that it's not worth even that minimal effort, or it's just an excuse to get ICEV fans (or investors) off their backs. Either way, it's a positive sign Porsche truly believes in EVs.
The German automaker is expected to reveal the electric 718 model before the end of the year with deliveries kicking off in 2025. Porsche has already begun preparing its Zuffenhausen plant for the new EV.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed plans to begin Macan EV deliveries later this year. Up next will be an electric 718 model followed by the long-awaited Cayenne EV.
Porsche said it’s expanding “upward” with plans for an ultra-luxury electric SUV, slated to sit above the Cayenne. Blume called it “a very sporting interpretation of an SUV.”
Despite several automakers pulling back Porsche is sticking to its target of an 80% EV delivery share by 2030.
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