Porsche is pressing ahead with fully electric Boxster and Cayman models planned for later this decade, but it also recognises that demand for internal combustion engines (ICE) remains strong in the sports car segment.

In September 2024, the company confirmed that “top” variants of the Boxster and Cayman will retain gas engines—likely as RS-badged versions of the outgoing 982 generation—serving as interim models until all-new ICE versions arrive.

According to industry rumours, Porsche is modifying the PPE Sport platform, originally built for electric 718s, to accommodate combustion engines—a strategy also applied to its three-row SUV.

While this retrofit involves compromises and additional costs, it is considered more practical than designing an entirely new ICE platform.

Gas-powered models are expected to transition to the new platform around 2030, with the electric 718s debuting next year and RS gas variants following soon after.

Porsche also plans a combustion-engine successor to the first-generation Macan in 2028, while the electric Macan will continue under the same name.

The original Boxster and Cayman were pulled from most EU markets in July 2024 due to new safety and cybersecurity regulations, though low-volume models like the Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster RS Spyder remain exempt.

Overall, Porsche is pursuing a dual strategy: embracing electrification while keeping combustion-powered sports cars available for enthusiasts during the transition.