Porsche is moving forward with all-electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman, ruling out a return of combustion-powered models even as questions persist about the future of its mid-engine sports cars. CEO Michael Leiters has expressed confidence in the electric versions, while Porsche executives say the new platform will deliver improved weight distribution, a lower center of gravity and greater structural stiffness.

Porsche Commits to the Electric 718 Boxster and Cayman

Reports last year suggested Porsche could modify the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman platforms to accommodate gasoline engines. During a presentation, the automaker displayed a slide reading, “Addition: Top ICE Derivatives for New 718,” indicating that the sports car platform might support engines from the 911.

In January, then-new CEO Michael Leiters also said he had considered scrapping the electric versions altogether. However, Porsche’s Sportwagenschmiede ’35 strategy, presented during its 2026 Capital Markets Day, focused on the electric models rather than confirming a return to combustion power.

In a statement to Motor1, Porsche Head of Corporate Communications Matthias Rauter said the company had never actually confirmed that gasoline-powered versions of the 718 would return. Leiters also told journalists at the event that his skepticism about the electric sports car disappeared after he drove it for the first time.

Why Porsche Believes the 718 EV Will Deliver Better Handling

Porsche acknowledges that many enthusiasts would welcome the return of gasoline-powered Boxster and Cayman models. Nevertheless, the company is betting that getting potential buyers behind the wheel of the electric versions will demonstrate their appeal.

According to Automotive News, Robert Meier, Porsche’s vice president of vehicle architecture and characteristics, said the company’s 800-volt E-Core Architecture would give the electric 718 models better weight distribution than their gasoline-powered predecessors.

The previous models placed 59 percent of their total weight over the rear axle. Rather than using a large battery pack protruding beneath the floor, the electric 718 places its battery in three modules arranged across two levels in the space traditionally occupied by the engine.

“This allows us to achieve a balanced weight distribution with 55.2 percent of the vehicle’s weight on the rear axle, while also lowering the center of gravity,” Meier said.

He also highlighted improvements in torsional rigidity and structural stiffness resulting from the battery design. The driving position remains low and close to the center of the chassis, which is intended to help preserve the dynamic characteristics associated with Porsche sports cars.

Porsche Rules Out Even a Limited Run of Gas-Powered 718s

Despite interest among enthusiasts in a high-performance gasoline-powered version, Leiters ruled out producing even a limited batch of combustion-powered 718 models.

“We won’t do that. We will stick with the electric car,” he said.

The first full year of production for the electric 718 is scheduled for 2028, pointing to a launch before the end of 2027.

Porsche Says the 911 Will Never Become Fully Electric

Porsche’s commitment to electric power for the 718 does not mean the company intends to eliminate combustion engines across its entire lineup. The 911 range already includes electrification through the T-Hybrid-powered GTS and the similarly designed Turbo S, but Leiters said the sports car will not transition to an all-electric configuration.

“I can assure you, the 911 will never be electric,” he said.

Porsche’s approach to the 718 could still leave room for future developments, although the company has not confirmed any new gasoline-powered mid-engine model. The automaker previously moved the Macan to an all-electric format, while a newly named combustion-powered successor entered development to address shortcomings in the electric model’s sales performance.

If the electric Boxster and Cayman attract strong demand, Porsche could continue with its current strategy. If sales fall short, the company could consider a differently named mid-engine sports car, potentially equipped with six-cylinder engines and positioned at significantly higher prices. However, that remains a possibility rather than a confirmed plan.

Porsche Mission S Supercar Could Offer Another Direction

Porsche may also have a new vehicle in development for collectors seeking an exclusive offering. The company has teased a new Mission S supercar that could potentially feature an eight-cylinder engine.

For now, Porsche’s stated direction is clear: the next 718 Boxster and Cayman will be electric, while the 911 will retain its position outside the company’s all-electric sports car strategy.