[Murf993]

Porsche's first all-electric two-seaters won't be 911s
The 718 line-up — including the Boxster and Cayman — will come in rear-wheel and all-wheel EV configurations in 2025


For all those Porsche 911 fans waiting for an electrified version, you’re in for a long wait. (For those that think it’s sacrilege, you can breathe a little bit easier for a while longer.) According to Car and Driver, the German automaker is working on a two-seater EV, one that will be based on the 718 lineup and be badged a 2025 model. That means both the Boxster and the Cayman will become EV models, and will be available in an all-wheel-drive configuration, a first for a 718 model. Further speculation is that the Boxster will retain its fabric top rather than a hard roof, and the respective body styles will remain close to the current models, apart from Porsche’s new “electric front” with wider headlights, as on the Taycan.

Strip off the race-inspired aero package and we might have some idea of what the 718 EVs will look like. As to the cabin, no insight yet, but expect it to take the Taycan’s futuristic design a step further.


The base models will be priced in the neighbourhood of their gas-powered stablemates, and under the 911 cost structure. Base models will be rear-wheel drive, and according to Car and Driver the internal target weight is under 3,650 pounds (1,655 kg). And unlike the Taycan, the next 718 will get a single-speed drive.

As to range, word is that Porsche engineers have been tasked with squeezing a bare minimum of 400 kilometres out of the shortened PPE architecture (though one suspects that is on the very liberal WLTP rating).

The next generation 718 is scheduled for 2024, meaning most likely a 2025 model for North America, and while there will probably be gas versions of the Boxster and Cayman alongside the new EVs, expect those to be short runs before the 718 lineup goes 100 per cent electric.

Finally, on the subject of the beloved 911, Car and Driver suggests it will keep its combustion engine beyond 2030 and may not even become hybridized, let alone electrified.

[RM7]

No, I expect them to put electric motors up front on the 911.

[Germanauto]

Unfortunate but if this is the sacrifice it will take to keep the 911 ICE then so be it.

I have no doubt Porsche will be able to create a fun to drive EV roadster. However they are aiming for a 3600 lb curb weight for this car (600lb weight gain). Couple that with the lack of a 6MT or PDK flappy paddles and no soundtrack....something will be missing.

[c1pher]

911 has always been a 2+2. Makes sense for them to create a new car similar to the 718 and then phase the 718 out if the EV does well.

[kyriian]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I have no doubt Porsche will be able to create a fun to drive EV roadster. However they are aiming for a 3600 lb curb weight for this car (600lb weight gain). Couple that with the lack of a 6MT or PDK flappy paddles and no soundtrack....something will be missing.

To be fair, Taycan is massively heavy as well but it seems to do well even on the track. If anyone can make a heavy car handle well it'd likely be Porsche

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by kyriian

To be fair, Taycan is massively heavy as well but it seems to do well even on the track. If anyone can make a heavy car handle well it'd likely be Porsche

That still doesn't solve the issue of consumables and the fact that your track day is basically over once the battery dies. Many people track their 718s so this will not appeal to any of those buyers. And the 911 is an expensive jump to make for many people so they'll just look elsewhere.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by kyriian

To be fair, Taycan is massively heavy as well but it seems to do well even on the track. If anyone can make a heavy car handle well it'd likely be Porsche

Yeah but still you feel the weight. There's no way a 5000 lb Taycan can hold a candle to the much lighter 911 in the handling/fun department. It probably masks that weight extremely well, but I have a hard time wrapping my mind around driving a car that heavy.

My sedan is 3500 lbs. Porsche's goal for the EV Boxster is 3600 lbs. Just depressing to hear.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by ntg44

That still doesn't solve the issue of consumables and the fact that your track day is basically over once the battery dies. Many people track their 718s so this will not appeal to any of those buyers. And the 911 is an expensive jump to make for many people so they'll just look elsewhere.

People are tracking EVs already. Right now. I've been racing against them.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

People are tracking EVs already. Right now. I've been racing against them.

The regulars at Laguna Seca use about 30% per session(mainly model 3 perf). Most get a solid 3 sessions and skip late day sessions. Can you go out and have some fun...sure, but they are far from ideal track cars. They will get there especially with future solid state tech. For now Elon needs to install some superchargers at tracks.