Porsche 718 Boxster & Cayman Go Electric: Farewell Flat-Six, Hello Electric Fire
I still remember the first time I floored a 718 Cayman GTS on a twisty mountain road—the flat-six howling like a banshee, tires gripping like they owed me money. That memory hit hard when I heard Porsche’s killing off the gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman, announced on September 3, 2025. They’re closing orders and shifting gears to an all-electric 718 lineup that’s got me both heartbroken and hyped. The gas era’s done, but Porsche’s promising electric models that’ll smoke the old ones in speed while keeping that purist soul. We’re diving into why they pulled the plug, what’s coming with the electric 718, and why those last ICE models are about to be collector catnip. Let’s peel out and unpack this seismic shift.
Why Porsche Pulled the Plug on Gas-Powered 718s
The news felt like a punch to the gut. Porsche’s decision to end the gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman comes down to three things: the 982-generation’s lifecycle is toast, their electrification push is in overdrive, and updating the old platform for new digital rules costs too damn much. The 718, a mid-engine masterpiece since 2016, is bowing out as Porsche bets big on EVs. Orders are shut worldwide—if you want a new one, you’re hunting dealership leftovers. My buddy Jake, who’s got a 718 Spyder, says his car’s already getting “future classic” vibes at car meets. Production might drag into 2026 to clear the backlog, but no firm end date’s set. If you’re eyeing a manual GTS 4.0, don’t sleep on it—those are gonna be rarer than a clean 911 Turbo from the ‘80s.
Final ICE 718s: Your Ticket to a Collector’s Dream
Let’s talk about those last gas-powered 718s. The 4.0-liter naturally aspirated models—think Cayman GTS 4.0 or Boxster Spyder—are the ones to hoard. That 394 hp flat-six, paired with a six-speed manual, is pure driving nirvana. The steering’s so sharp it’s like the car reads your mind, and that engine note? It’s like Springsteen belting out “Thunder Road.” Special editions, like the 718 Style Edition, are even more exclusive. I saw a Boxster GTS at a local show, and the crowd was buzzing like it was a unicorn. These cars, with their lightweight mid-engine setup and “last of the line” status, are primed to skyrocket in value. Buy for the love of driving, not just the investment, but know these are future auction stars.
Electric 718: What’s Coming and When to Expect It
Porsche’s keeping the 718 name alive, but it’s going full electric, and I’m dying to see how they pull it off. The electric 718 Boxster and Cayman are expected around 2026-2027, hot on the heels of the electric Cayenne. Picture this: single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) for purists, dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) for grip freaks, all built on a new sports-car platform that’s light and low. Borrowing from the Taycan’s bag of tricks, expect an 800V system, liquid-cooled battery, and software-driven torque vectoring that’ll make corners feel like a dance. Regenerative braking and a razor-sharp throttle should keep the 718’s soul intact. Porsche’s gunning for 0-60 mph times that crush the gas models—maybe low 3s for base trims, high 2s for the hot ones. I’m picturing it zipping past like a silent ninja, but I’m crossing my fingers they nail the handling.
Electric vs. Gas 718 vs. Rivals: The Showdown
So, how’s the electric 718 stack up? The gas-powered GTS 4.0 does 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a 394 hp flat-six, delivering feedback so raw it’s like shaking hands with the road. The electric 718, with instant torque and possible AWD, could hit the low 3s or better, leaving the ICE version in the dust for straight-line speed. Against rivals, it’s a split decision. Electric foes like the Tesla Roadster (if it ever shows up) pack techy punch but feel sterile next to Porsche’s finesse. Gas-powered rivals like the Corvette Z06 or Lotus Emira bring high-rev drama but lack the EV’s instant kick. My cousin’s Taycan Turbo S feels like a warp drive, so I’m betting the 718 EV will be a rocket with better manners. The real test? Keeping that mid-engine magic without the flat-six growl.
Porsche’s Electric Future and the 911’s Last Stand
Porsche’s all-in on EVs, with the 718 leading the charge alongside the Taycan, Macan EV, and upcoming Cayenne EV. The Macan’s 800V platform, with up to 630 hp and 270 kW charging, hints at what’s coming: tech-heavy but driver-focused. The 911, though, remains Porsche’s gas-powered heart, evolving with hybrids but keeping its ICE soul for now. By 2030, Porsche wants 80% of sales electric, but they’re not dumb—they’ll keep the 718’s purist vibe alive. I’m torn, man. The flat-six is my first love, but an electric 718 that’s faster and still feels like a Porsche? That’s got me grinning ear to ear. What’s your call—snag a gas 718 before it’s gone or wait for the electric buzz? Hit the comments.
Specifications (Expected for 718 EV):
- Vehicle Type: Two-door, two-seat coupe (Cayman) or convertible (Boxster)
- Powertrain: Single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD, 800V high-voltage system
- Performance: Sub-4-second 0-60 mph (estimated), torque vectoring, regenerative braking
- Launch Timeline: Expected 2026-2027
- Price: Starting ~$78,000 (estimated, based on current 718 pricing)
So, what’s your dream 718—stick-shift GTS 4.0 to cherish forever or a lightning-fast electric RWD beast? Drop your thoughts below and let’s talk shop!
Image Source – porscheatlantaperimeter.com
