Axe looms over electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman project – report

The new-generation electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman twins may be cancelled before they’ve ever seen the light of day.

According to a report from business news outlet Bloomberg, Porsche’s new CEO, Michael Leiters, is considering scrapping the electric sports cars altogether due to ongoing delays and budget blowouts, internal sources claim.

Mr Leiters took over from Oliver Blume at the start of the year, with pressure mounting on the new boss to curb spending following an expected downturn in sales.

Petrol-powered versions of the 718 were discontinued in 2025 due to the vehicle not meeting new cybersecurity standards set by the European Union.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.

As reported by CarExpert in late 2024, the electric replacements of the Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe may be known as the ‘983’ generation – if they make it to production.

By late 2025 – the missed launch date for the electric models – Porsche had confirmed it would be adding petrol engines to the lineup, with the UK’s Autocar magazine reporting the mid-engined sports cars would gain the 911’s hybrid system to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

The German automaker has also previously said it was pivoting its forthcoming flagship three-row SUV from being electric to using petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

In December 2025, the European Commission announced it was scrapping a plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, following pressure from several large car companies and member states.

MORE: Explore the Porsche 718 showroom