by Key Points of Porsche’s New Strategy
Return to Internal Combustion Engines
Porsche has recently been actively changing its strategy, moving away from exclusively electric ambitions. The latest step in this saga was the decision to return internal combustion engines to the next generation of the 718 Cayman and Boxster, which were previously planned as fully electric models.
This move might please purists, but it has one important nuance: internal combustion engines will only be available in the highest trim levels.
New information suggests that these mid-engine models might get an even more interesting novelty – a hybrid flat-six engine borrowed from the 911.
We have seen a clear decline in demand for exclusively electric cars, and we are taking this into account
Hybridization and Layout
To reduce development costs, the internal combustion engine versions of the next-generation 718 series will use shared components with the 911. This will also make it easier to comply with strict European emission standards.
The most likely powertrain for the future Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster Spyder RS is the T-Hybrid system from the 992.2 GTS. The system combines a bi-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine with a single electric motor and delivers a combined 532 hp and 609 Nm of torque.
This is a significant improvement over the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine in the previous Cayman GT4 RS, which offered 495 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
The T-Hybrid unit was chosen for its compactness, as it is 110 mm shorter in length compared to the non-electrified flat-six engine of the standard 911 Carrera.
Future of Manual Transmissions
Unlike the rear-engine 911, the 718 twins will retain their characteristic mid-engine layout, preserving the handling balance that defines them. The only drawback is that the hybrid powertrain is currently only available with an eight-speed PDK transmission.
If Porsche engineers don’t decide to adapt the system for a manual transmission, which seems unlikely due to layout constraints and hybrid integration, this could mark the end of the manual transmission era for the 718 lineup.
Performance and Design
Although the hybrid sports cars will have more than enough power, they are expected to be slower than the fully electric 718 variants in a straight line. However, on the track, the internal combustion engine versions are likely to regain the advantage due to their lower weight, sharper suspension, and more focused aerodynamics.
Over the past few years, spy photographers have spotted numerous camouflaged prototypes of the next-generation 718 series during testing. However, all of them were equipped with electric powertrains.
Independent CGI artist Antoni Brico created renderings of the new Cayman GT4 with an internal combustion engine, adapting Porsche’s latest design language and providing us with appropriate visual images for this report.
The new generation of the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman is expected in 2026 after delays caused by research and development problems. Fully electric versions will appear first, with the hybrid successors to the GT4 RS and Spyder RS joining later in the model cycle.
This phased launch is intended to give Porsche engineers enough time to adapt the EV platform for the hybrid with a flat engine, ensuring it meets the brand’s high standards.
These changes in Porsche’s strategy reflect the complex balance between technological progress and preserving the brand’s traditional values. The transition to hybrid technologies in top models allows the company to meet modern environmental requirements without completely abandoning the characteristic features that made their sports cars unique. Technical solutions, such as the more compact hybrid system, demonstrate Porsche’s engineering mastery in combining high performance with new technologies.
