Porsche Drops 2.0L Engine, Next 718 Goes Hybrid
Porsche is set to retire the current turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the 718, as meeting Euro 7 regulations would demand significant re-engineering. The next generation of the 718 will embrace hybrid technology, with internal combustion engine variants adopting a setup similar to the 911 GTS T-Hybrid system. The production of the outgoing Cayman islands models is wrapping up this month, leaving a gap in Porsche's lineup until the hybrid successors arrive.
The future 718 will not feature hybrid versions, with Porsche focusing on gasoline engines for high-performance variants like the RS models. The fully electric version of the 718 has been postponed, replaced by this shift in strategy. The upcoming Boxster and Cayman will be available in both electric and internal combustion engine variants. The electric models will be built on a platform shared with Audi's upcoming Concept C-based sports car, exclusive to electric powertrains.
The next-generation 718 will likely use a 3.6-litre flat-six engine from the 911 GTS, providing a responsive and mechanical driving experience with a touch of electrified precision. Future 718 models are expected to be six-cylinder-only, positioning combustion variants as the 'top-tier' offerings.
Porsche's plans for electric vehicles remain unchanged, with all-electric Boxster and Cayman models still on the roadmap. The retirement of the current 2.0-litre engine and the shift towards hybrid technology in the next-generation 718 signal Porsche's commitment to evolving with regulations while maintaining its signature driving experience.
