Porsche's rumored strategy for the Boxster and Cayman suggests that internal combustion engines will soon become a luxury.

Porsche's rumored strategy for the Boxster and Cayman suggests that internal combustion engines will soon become a luxury.

      Porsche

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      Initially, the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman were set to transition to all-electric powertrains in their upcoming generations, but the automaker has reversed this decision, much to the joy of numerous fans. The current inquiry revolves around how Porsche will accommodate both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) versions of the 718 at the same time. It appears they won't share a platform, and gasoline engines might only be available in the higher-end trims. There's even discussion about adapting the 911’s flat-six hybrid powertrain for the 718, as reported by Autocar.

      At present, the 718’s four-cylinder engine does not meet new European emissions standards. In contrast, the T-Hybrid configuration, which debuted earlier this year in the 911 Carrera GTS, complies with these regulations. In that model, it integrates a 3.6-liter flat-six engine with two electric motors—one situated within the turbocharger and another within the transmission. The total system output is a robust 532 horsepower and 449 lb-ft of torque.

      This is the powertrain that the 718 aims to fit behind its two seats on a platform likely based on the existing 982 series. The challenge arises from Porsche having to halt the Boxster and Cayman sales in Europe much earlier than in the U.S. due to a new automotive cybersecurity law. Porsche must address this issue to launch a future ICE 718. Although it may have seemed too costly to tackle when the previous generation was being phased out, it now appears to be Porsche’s most feasible option for keeping its mid-engine sports car alive.

      Additionally, pursuing this strategy would make substantial business sense for Porsche; as noted by Autocar, the 911 and 718 “already share the same MMB platform, but this new strategy would streamline production and component procurement while enhancing economies of scale.” The significant concern, however, is how this could affect the pricing of the gasoline-powered 718.

      The starting price for the Carrera GTS is $178,250; even if the system is adjusted downwards for what Porsche hypothetically defines as a more “accessible” sports car, it would still likely be at the higher end of the range. This situation lends credence to the notion that only the wealthiest 718 customers may have the opportunity to experience internal combustion.

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Porsche's rumored strategy for the Boxster and Cayman suggests that internal combustion engines will soon become a luxury. Porsche's rumored strategy for the Boxster and Cayman suggests that internal combustion engines will soon become a luxury.

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Porsche's rumored strategy for the Boxster and Cayman suggests that internal combustion engines will soon become a luxury.

According to a recent report, Porsche might utilize the powertrain of the 911 T-Hybrid to maintain the production of the gas-powered Boxster and Cayman.