Next petrol-powered Porsche 718 will be a hybrid
Porsche has confirmed that its next-generaton 718 Boxster and Cayman won’t be electric-only after all, with new petrol-hybrid versions now planned for the range.
Originally, the new 718 series was to mark Porsche’s full transition to electric power in its compact sports cars. However, following what the brand calls a “realignment” of its EV strategy, Porsche says it will now offer “top ICE derivatives” alongside the upcoming electric versions.
According to reports out of Europe, the petrol-powered 718 models are expected to use the T-Hybrid drivetrain from the latest 911 Carrera GTS. This system was chosen because it’s more compact than Porsche’s traditional 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six, making it easier to package within the mid-engine layout of the 718.
That hybrid setup pairs a 3.6-litre flat-six with an electric turbocharger, producing 357kW and 570Nm from the combustion engine, supported by a 41kW/150Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 911 GTS boasts 398kW and 610Nm combined which is enough for a 0–100km/h time of just 3.0 seconds. The 718’s version will reportedly be slightly detuned.
Read more – 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Review
The current 2.0-litre turbo flat-four used in the 718 range doesn’t meet Euro 7 standards, due to take effect at the end of 2026. Rather than investing in a costly rework of that engine, Porsche appears to be prioritising parts sharing with the 911 to ensure compliance and reduce development costs.
While Porsche hasn’t confirmed timing, the petrol-hybrid 718s are expected to follow after the electric Boxster and Cayman make their debut. The EV versions have already faced multiple delays, reportedly due to challenges with the battery system, which features a vertical cell layout behind the cabin to replicate the handling balance of a mid-engine car.
Production of the current 718 Boxster and Cayman has already ended for New Zealand, with other markets soon to follow. That means there will likely be a gap in global availability before the new-generation models both electric and hybrid arrive.
