Porsche’s plans to electrify its lineup by the mid-2020s have gained more credibility with the recent confirmation that the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will be going electric. The sports car manufacturer had previously mentioned its “Flexline” capability, which would allow for both internal-combustion and electric vehicles to be produced on the same line. This suggested that Porsche could continue offering the ICE-powered versions alongside the electric models, much like it is doing with the Macan and Macan EV. However, a leaked dealer document now indicates that the production of all 982 models, which refers to the internal codename for the 718 cars, is planned to end in October 2025.
While this news may disappoint fans of the current 718 models, there is a silver lining. According to the leaked document, Porsche is encouraging sales of models with manual transmissions due to limited availability of the PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Manual transmissions have long been favored by sports car enthusiasts for their direct engagement and enhanced driving experience. This move suggests that Porsche wants to ensure that customers can still enjoy the thrill of shifting gears while they can.
The next generation of the 718 Boxster and Cayman will be built on Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture. The SSP platform is designed to be versatile, accommodating a wide range of vehicles from city cars to supercars. For the 718 twins, a variant called SSP Sport will be utilized. This platform switch will provide enhanced flexibility and scalability for Porsche’s electric future.
Recent spy shots of the upcoming 718 models undergoing winter testing have revealed some interesting details. The cars feature a sleek and shapely backside, which is believed to be inspired by the design of the 2021 Mission R Concept. The production models also showcase Mission R headlights, similar to those found on the Taycan and Macan Electric. These headlights sport a quad LED DRL design that doubles as turn signals. The front bumper, however, remains heavily disguised, keeping the production styling a mystery. At the rear, the Boxster EV showcases a full-width LED taillight, positioned near a visible charge port in the center of the prototype decoy rear bumper.
The test car’s aero wheels feature deep-dish rims with partial covers, designed to improve range by reducing aerodynamic drag. These covers partially hide the large front brake rotors and black-painted calipers. Although more spy shots are likely to surface before an official teaser campaign begins, the initial impressions of the upcoming 718 models are promising.
Porsche’s commitment to electric mobility is evident in its decision to electrify the 718 Boxster and Cayman models. With the transition to electric power, Porsche is aligning itself with the industry’s shift towards sustainable mobility. By incorporating advanced technologies and utilizing versatile platforms, Porsche aims to deliver high-performance electric sports cars that continue to capture the essence of driving pleasure.