Good news!!! The next generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman will keep their flat-six engine configurations instead of going all-electric.
In a stunning reversal, Porsche announced that high-performance versions of the next-generation Boxster and Cayman will keep their beloved flat-six engines alongside the planned electric models. After initially planning to go all-electric for these sports cars, slowing EV demand forced a major strategy shift. Here’s what this means for driving purists and why that iconic engine sound isn’t disappearing just yet.
The EV strategy change
In a stunning change, Porsche has altered its EV strategy. The flat-six engine models will have continuation into the next generation, bringing the beloved powertrains to the mix, ensuring buyers can find what they want. Electric vehicles have experienced significant declines in expected sales during the past couple of years, forcing the change at Porsche and other automakers. It seems like the entire automotive world is considering changes to their EV strategies to focus more heavily on gas-powered models or hybrids that can offer a strong bridge until the world is once again ready for EVs.
Current engines should continue
The Porsche Boxster and Cayman models will be offered with a flat-six engine going forward, which means the high-powered models will carry on. The Porsche 718 engine will also be part of the future, which means these cars can still be had with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, giving Porsche customers plenty of great choices when they shop with this brand. The Boxster and Cayman gas engine offerings make it easy to have the power and performance from a naturally aspirated flat-six engine that makes these cars fun to drive.
Currently, the top power offering for the Boxster gives you a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that sends 493 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. This is one of the most fun sports cars with naturally aspirated combustion engines that you can find. Instead of being stuck with an EV, you get to enjoy the fun and sounds of the Boxster with a great feel and the engine you love.
Not 100% confirmed
Every indicator that we can find shows the Porsche Boxster and Cayman models returning with a flat-six engine powering the rear wheels. That said, CEO Oliver Blume was hesitant to commit fully, but he addressed the issue by saying:
“We want to meet the market realities and changing customer demands. We have seen a clear drop in demand for exclusive battery-electric cars, and we are taking that into account.”
– Porsche CEO Oliver Blume
The business model must change
Blume not only discussed paying attention to the market demands also stated in July stated that the current business model of Porsche no longer works. Profits have been down, and the addition of tariffs has only caused profits to dwindle even further. This means the company has to be much more flexible in meeting customer demands. The demand for EVs has been lowered significantly, which means Porsche should move forward with continued use of gas engines, which have been a huge hit for Porsche over several decades.
Will the GT4 RS return?
Currently, the top model of the Porsche Boxter and Cayman models using the flat-six engine is the Porsche GT4 RS variants. This model could return for the future, offering the highest power level, as it has done for many years. If the GT4 RS remains, and new electric models are created, the 718 four-cylinder versions could be the first to be deleted from the mix, creating a void in the market, but allowing Porsche to be a little more flexible than if it were to move to only EV models of these cars.
Will these gas-powered models be quick enough?
One of the most exciting aspects of transitioning sports cars from gas engines to electric powertrains is the instant torque, which turns into immediate acceleration and straight-line speed. This quickness makes driving an EV fun and exciting on any road or track.
The speed of a Boxster or Cayman could be problematic for Porsche. It might seem strange that an electric Cayman S would be quicker than a gas-powered GTS or GT4 RS. The gas-powered models would likely be more expensive, but this won’t sit well with old-school enthusiasts.
Are you looking forward to the return of the Porsche Boxster and Cayman models with a flat-six engine that should continue to provide the top-level excitement desired? Will one of these cars be what you love to drive and experience when it’s time to take your sports car out for a spin?
