by Last year, Porsche first introduced an electric version into its sports car lineup with the release of the Taycan, but that was just the beginning. Now it’s the turn of the younger Boxster and Cayman models, which will completely abandon internal combustion engines. Photographers recently captured test samples of the Cayman with an electric powertrain on the Nürburgring track and its surroundings.
Our team has spotted the Boxster multiple times over the past few years, and earlier this year the first blurry shots of the Cayman emerged. However, the new photos are of much higher quality and show two cars with different wheels.
Recognizable Design, New Technologies
Despite the switch to electric power, the proportions of the new Cayman remain similar to the current ICE model. It retains the classic look of a mid-engined sports car with a low front end and smooth rear lines. One of the advantages of the 718 series is its practicality due to trunks at both ends, and the electric versions are expected to retain this.
In the photos taken directly on the track, a small active spoiler is visible at the bottom of the rear hatch. Beneath it is the charging port for the battery, which is mounted vertically behind the seats and supports 800-volt technology. The front end features adjustable air intakes, like the GTS Hybrid, and camouflage on the rear windows and lower panels conceals a raised window line and additional air intakes.
Drive Choice: Rear-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Buyers will be offered both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions. While the 911 has offered all-wheel drive for 35 years, this will be a first for the mid-engined models.
Porsche has somewhat slowed its electrification plans due to the slow development of the electric car market, continuing production of ICE vehicles and modernizing some new models. However, the development of the electric Boxster and Cayman has progressed too far to add internal combustion engines to them by the time of their launch.
There is a possibility that Porsche may later adapt them for hybrid versions, as Fiat is doing with its 500e. Although 718 sales fell in the first quarter, this is due to their withdrawal from the European market because of new cybersecurity regulations. In the US, on the contrary, sales of these models nearly doubled.
The Main Challenge: Handling
Rumors suggest that Porsche engineers are facing difficulties in achieving handling for the electric Cayman on par with its predecessor, which may have caused the premiere to be postponed from 2025 to 2026. This could increase demand for the current 718 version. The company cannot afford to fail in this aspect, as the new electric Alpine A110 will become a serious competitor.
