Porsche 718 Cayman, Boxster axed

Porsche has officially axed the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster sports cars, confirming that there will be no further internal combustion engine (ICE) generations. The German marque has stopped taking fresh orders for the coupé and convertible ahead of their scheduled production end next year, though existing orders will still be fulfilled and stock cars remain available. The 718 twins were discontinued in India in 2024.

The Cayman and Boxster have been cornerstones of the Porsche line-up since 1996 and 2005 respectively, with the current fourth-generation models in production since 2016. When the badge returns in 2026, it will be reserved exclusively for fully electric models.

Recent speculation that Porsche might reverse its decision to end ICE production for the 718 line has been denied by senior company sources. While Porsche has recently adopted a more flexible product strategy—allowing combustion and hybrid models like the Cayenne and upcoming Macan replacement to coexist alongside EVs—this approach will not extend to the 718 range. Instead, future iterations will sit on the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE architecture, designed specifically for EVs.

Though technically unrelated to the outgoing cars, early testing mules suggest the electric Cayman and Boxster will remain close in size, styling, and positioning to their predecessors. Porsche’s R&D chief Michael Steiner has also promised that the EVs will deliver motorsport-derived braking and handling to ensure they retain a “real sports car feeling.”

Originally slated for launch this year and to be briefly built alongside their ICE counterparts in Zuffenhausen, the electric 718s have faced delays due to engineering challenges, software development issues, and battery supply constraints. The result is a revised debut timeline of 2026.