It’s been virtually three years since prototypes of the 718 EV had been first caught testing. Automobile paparazzi initially noticed the Boxster, however it didn’t take lengthy earlier than the Cayman appeared in entrance of the digital camera. Though prototypes have been round for a very long time, the manufacturing model stays elusive. That probably means there will likely be a niche between the demise of the gasoline fashions this October and the arrival of the EV replacements.

However when are the electrical Boxster and Cayman really coming? The preliminary plan was for the 718 EV to debut earlier than the electrical Cayenne. Nonetheless, Porsche just lately advised us that the order has been reversed, with the electrical SUV now scheduled to interrupt cowl first. The following-generation Cayenne debuts later this 12 months, so we’d have to attend till later in 2026 for the electrical sports activities automobiles. It’s unclear whether or not Zuffenhausen will unveil each physique kinds without delay or launch the convertible first, adopted shortly by its fixed-roof sibling.

Within the meantime, it’s enterprise as normal. One other Cayman prototype has been noticed understanding on the Nürburgring gymnasium. Though it resembles a two-door Taycan coupe, Porsche has confirmed the automotive will experience on a distinct platform reasonably than the J1 structure shared with the Audi E-Tron GT. Whereas particulars stay scarce, the Mission R idea hinted at a comparatively low curb weight of three,306 kilos (1,500 kilograms).

However who’s going to purchase an electrical 718? In spite of everything, the Boxster and Cayman EVs are anticipated to be dearer than the outgoing gasoline fashions. The most affordable convertible presently begins at $76,895 earlier than choices, whereas the coupe begins at $74,795. Hopefully, Porsche will hold pricing beneath six figures. In any other case, the EVs might find yourself dangerously near a base 911 Carrera, which begins at $127,700. We all know which of the 2 we’d select, and it’s not the silent one.

Is there nonetheless hope for a gasoline engine within the next-generation fashions? Sure and no. Porsche has mentioned that future fashions initially deliberate as EVs might doubtlessly obtain ICE variants. Nonetheless, it’s unclear whether or not former Chief Monetary Officer Lutz Meschke was referring to the 718 when he made that assertion late final 12 months. He would possibly’ve been desirous about a substitute for the gas-powered Macan, which Porsche has since mentioned might go on sale round 2030. The upcoming three-row SUV is also a candidate for combustion energy.

Even when Porsche manages to maintain the 718 EV’s weight down and the pricing affordable, it’ll nonetheless be a tricky promote and not using a combustion engine roaring behind the driving force. It might attempt to compensate with faux engine noises and simulated gear shifts, however it’s simply not the identical.