718 Upset: Porsche Considers Returning ICE as EV Future Remains Uncertain

Porsche is considering bringing back the ICE for the 718 Cayman/Boxster, leaving the future of the electric versions open and revealing changes for the next generation.

Upset in the 718: EV May Exit and ICE Returns

Porsche is studying a significant change in strategy for the 718 Cayman and Boxster, according to reports from mid-February 2026. The possibility of keeping gasoline versions alongside the EV, which was previously seen as the pivot, is once again being discussed by management.

Now, the electric variants might be discarded or postponed. After several delays, the launch of the 718 EV is reportedly in limbo, described by insiders as “development hell”. The escalation of costs and hurdles in the new 718 platform are being closely evaluated, with the newly appointed CEO Michael Leiters seeking a quick impact on the brand's financial results.

It is not surprising that the initial blow generated a reaction among fans; however, the text does not point to a definitive return to ICE. Even with the possible discontinuation of the EV, the Cayman/Boxster line is not expected to die, and the relationship between the two generations continues. Among the features seen in the 982 generation, the naturally aspirated 4.0L engine present in the GTS, GT4/Spyder, and GT4 RS/Spyder RS tends to remain exclusive to that era.

Back to the Future

What lies ahead for the 718 may involve the high-performance models — GT4, GT4 RS, Spyder, and Spyder RS — whose evolution must offer some differentiation compared to the other versions, possibly adopting technologies already used in the current 911. Some expect the integration of the 3.6L T-Hybrid, with an electric turbo and a light 400-volt battery, to shape the future 718 performance cars. In the 911 GTS, this setup delivers about 532 hp and 449 lb-ft, numbers that may influence the next generation of the 718 GT.

The naturally aspirated 4.0 line seems to be nearing its end with the 992.2 GT3, as the 992.2 GT3 RS has been confirmed with a turbo. The change might also include the GT2 RS, which could gain a light hybrid to maintain the distinction against the GT3 RS.

What Comes Next?

In summary, Porsche is not following the path of maintaining the status quo. The brand continues to invest in radical changes to its lines, with or without EVs, signaling a relevant shift for the portfolio.

Leave your opinion in the comments: do you believe the 718 truly needs an ICE version to preserve the essence of the line, or is the EV the definitive path for the coming years?