The all-electric Porsche 718 Cayman has been spotted testing again, confirming that the EV sports car will be offered in both coupe and roadster (Cayman and Boxster) variants. Instead of quoting what we already know from other publications and Porsche, I will focus on what the latest prototype images tell us about the brand's future sports cars.
The New Cayman EV look could lead to a smaller 911
It is safe to say that the Porsche Taycan set the tone for the brand's EV models in terms of styling. We see Taycan-like headlights on the Porsche Macan EV, and we see a similar front end on the 718 EV. If the latest test mule images are anything to go by, the 718 Cayman EV will incorporate design cues from the 911, as seen on the rear quarter windows.
In September 2024, Porsche design boss, Michael Mauer sat for an interview with The Drive, expressing his desire to make a smaller, lighter 911.
“Personally, I would love to create a smaller sports car, to see what the possibilities are in terms of packaging” - Michael Mauer, Chief Designer, Porsche.
While I am not suggesting Porsche revive the 912, I am also not against it. The current situation creates a unique opportunity to do so without infringing on the 911's legacy and clientele. Perhaps, someday, we can see a modern-day Porsche 911 with a power-to-weight ratio similar to the 930 Turbo "Widowmaker". Minus the killing tendencies.
But here's the thing...
I don't think the internal-combustion-powered Porsche 718 is going anywhere. While the model has been scheduled for discontinuation October 2025, there are issues that delay the 718 EV. Porsche's battery supplier, Nortvolt, filed for bankruptcy on March 12, 2025.
Porsche's strategic partner, Rimac, could chime in, as the Croatian carmaker sources its batteries from various suppliers. All this means that production of the electric Porsche 718 will be delayed until 2027. This will spell huge profit losses for Porsche if they discontinue the ICE-powered 718 now.
Moreover, Porsche's EV models are not doing too well. Macan EV kept running into delays and was plagued by allocation issues, while Taycan sales drastically dropped over the last two years.
Porsche 718 EV drivetrain
As for the powertrain of the Porsche 718 EV, there are some guesses, but nothing solid yet. However, you can expect the base model to produce 355 horsepower from a single, rear-mounted e-motor, which is the same setup as the base Macan EV.
Since the Cayman/ Boxster lineup has always been rear-wheel-drive only, the same is expected for the EV Porsche 718. This will also keep the model lightweight, which is the hardest thing to do in an EV. That said, rivals like the MG Cyberster offer all-wheel-drive models, so Porsche could break the mold for this one for the sake of competitiveness.
People have some strong opinions and some of them are well-founded
Porsche is known for making some of the most well-engineered, competent, and daily-drivable sports cars. Unfortunately, it is also known for markups. Others criticize the fact that Porsche is reimagining its entry-level sports car as an EV.
Would anyone want that? EV sports cars have never been popular, and with the market gradually shifting from EVs to hybrids, a fully electric Porsche sports car makes even less sense. Here's what some people comment under a recent Facebook post on Apex Automotor:
Ryan Pappas says: “Has Porsche asked anyone, especially their cayman buying audience who has had to endure criminal MSRP increases on a car as of late that has been the same since 2014 with just an engine change halfway through, if they actually want to buy this car? The existing 718 (and even the 981) is so fuel efficient, does it even need to be yet another super expensive EV?”
Ross Litman says: “Looks enormous for a Cayman. Still don’t understand who this product is for? Cayman/Boxster are bought for emotional reasons. These cars aren’t needs, they’re wants. I know Porsche is capable of building great EVs, but why would I want a Cayman that’s nearly 1,000 lbs. heavier and is bereft of sound? I think these products are DOA, hence all the delays.”
Anthony Magagnoli says: “But what percentage of current and past Boxster/Cayman customers are going to be interested in an EV version of the car? Just going to a 4-cyl turbo nearly killed it, as it was... If leasing out 4-cyl models allowed for the 6-cyls to survive amid EPA regulations, then so be it.
The Mustang Mach-E exists so that we can still have V8 Mustangs. But Porsche hasn't hinted of ICE Boxter/Caymans to be coming. Maybe they're hiding it. I can't imagine them doing away with it, as it's so important to their brand, especially when you include the customer race car variants.”
Final thoughts
The Porsche 718 EV is still about two years away, given the current situation, but it already doesn't look good for the electric “mid-engine” sports car. Simply put, nobody wants a car like that. Certainly not fans of the brand's sports cars. What do you think about the Porsche 718 EV? Is it dead on arrival, or does it stand a chance at captivating Porsche enthusiasts coming from the company's ICE-powered performance models?
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image sources: ARC Driver via YouTube (video in the article)
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"Simply put, nobody wants a…
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"Simply put, nobody wants a car like that." Well I do want one so they will get at least one sale. ;)