Porsche is continuing development of the next generation of its 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman sports cars despite earlier reports suggesting the electric models might be cancelled.
Daniel Schmollinger, chief executive of Porsche Cars Australia, said the project remains active, indicating the question surrounding the models is now about timing rather than whether they will be produced.
“We can’t tell yet when it’s coming, but I had the chance to drive it, and it is actually amazing,” Schmollinger told Car Sales, referring to the upcoming electric version of the 718.
The next-generation models are expected to debut as battery-electric vehicles. It remains unclear whether Porsche will also offer internal combustion engine or hybrid versions alongside the electric variants.
Porsche has been working for several years on electric successors to its mid-engine 718 sports cars, which include the convertible Boxster and the Cayman coupé. However, development has encountered multiple delays related to drivetrain components and battery systems.
Engineers have been attempting to balance the brand’s traditional driving dynamics with the technical challenges posed by battery weight and cost.
The project also faced setbacks after Porsche’s original battery supply strategy collapsed. The company had planned to use high-energy-density battery cells supplied by Swedish manufacturer Northvolt, which were to be assembled into battery packs by Finnish supplier Valmet at a facility in Kirchardt, Germany.
Northvolt later filed for insolvency and was subsequently acquired by U.S.-based battery technology company Lyten. Valmet also withdrew from the Kirchardt battery pack project following delays, leaving Porsche without a confirmed battery supply chain for the electric sports cars.
Earlier reports in February suggested Porsche’s management, under new CEO Michael Leiters, had considered cancelling the electric 718 program before production. No final decision had been confirmed at the time.
Recent comments from company executives, however, suggest the project is still moving forward.
The Volkswagen Group brand Audi has also reaffirmed plans to use technology derived from the Porsche 718 platform for its upcoming production model based on the Concept C show car.
“The supply of the platform by Porsche is not in question,” Audi CEO Gernot Döllner reportedly told employees.
