Porsche's Gasoline Engine Era Ends: What You Need to Know Before 2026
The road ahead for Porsche is about to undergo a seismic shift. Starting in 2025, the iconic German automaker will begin phasing out some of its most beloved gasoline-powered models. By 2026, the combustion engine variants of the Porsche 718 Boxster, Cayman, and Macan will be nothing more than a collector’s item.
The Countdown Begins
Two years. That’s all the time left for fans of the gas-powered Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman before production ceases in 2025. The final curtain call for the gasoline-powered Macan is set for 2026. They will all be replaced by electric versions, signaling the end of an era for Porsche enthusiasts.
On a recent Monday, Porsche officially confirmed to Reuters that the production of its gas-powered Macan crossover SUV would halt in 2026. Similarly, production of the gas-driven 718 Boxster and Cayman will discontinue in 2025. These announcements were made by Albrecht Reimold, a member of Porsche's executive board who explained that the platforms used by these gasoline models had reached the end of their life cycles.
The Electric Future
While the news of discontinuation might be bittersweet, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Porsche's electric transformation is already underway. The electric version of the Porsche Macan recently hit the market and is priced at an entry-level $80,450 for the base Macan 4. If you're aiming for the higher-end Macan Turbo, be prepared to shell out $106,950. Both prices include a $1,650 destination charge, a notable premium over the current gas-powered Macan, which costs $63,895 including a $1,995 destination charge.
While European sales of the gas-powered Macan have already halted, the U.S. market will still have two more years to enjoy this model. This continuation will give Porsche time to ramp up electric vehicle production and ensure a smooth transition.
Transition Decisions
Interestingly, in 2023, Porsche was still uncertain about discontinuing the gas-powered Macan, largely due to fluctuating EV market trends and the high sales of the gasoline model in the U.S. market. But the decision is now set in stone, marking a significant pivot for the luxury carmaker.
The Next-Level 718 Boxster and Cayman
The electric 718 Boxster and Cayman replacements are already visible on the roads, albeit under camouflage as they undergo rigorous testing. The world got its first glimpse of this electric future when Porsche debuted the Mission R concept at the 2021 Munich auto show.
The highly anticipated debut of the electric successors to the 718 Boxster and Cayman is expected later this year, with production planned to start in 2025. These new models will ride on a dedicated EV platform, likely the same one used for the Mission R concept, which features a unique T-shape battery layout. This innovative design positions the batteries in the center tunnel and behind the seats, similar to what’s found in Maserati's GranCabrio Folgore.
What This Means for Porsche Owners
This transition is not just a shift in technology; it's a redefinition of what it means to own a Porsche. The iconic brand, synonymous with performance and luxury, is ensuring that its electric future will offer experiences just as thrilling as their gasoline predecessors. The new electric platforms promise better weight distribution, instant torque, and a host of modern features that will keep Porsche at the forefront of automotive innovation.
In summary, the end of gas-powered Porsches marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While it may be a somber farewell for some, it's also a thrilling beckoning into the future. For those who’ve dreamed of owning a gas-powered Porsche, the clock is ticking. But as we advance into an era driven by electric power, the essence of Porsche's unrivaled engineering and performance promises to endure—albeit in a quieter, more sustainable form.