The next Porsche 718 will get a 911 engine, but this may not please classic car enthusiasts (2 photos)

Key points of Porsche's new strategy

Return to internal combustion engines

Porsche has been actively changing its strategy recently, moving away from purely electric ambitions. The latest step in this saga is the decision to return internal combustion engines to the next generation of the 718 Cayman and Boxster, which were previously planned as fully electric models.

This move may appeal to purists, but it has one important caveat: internal combustion engines will only be available in the highest trim levels.

New information suggests that these mid-engine models could get an even more interesting novelty - a hybrid boxer six-cylinder engine borrowed from the 911.

We have seen a clear decline in demand for purely electric cars, and we are taking this into account

Hybridization and layout

To reduce development costs, the internal combustion engine versions of the next-generation 718 series will use common components with the 911. This will also make it easier to comply with strict European emissions regulations.

The most likely powertrain for the upcoming Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster Spyder RS ​​will be the T-Hybrid hybrid system from the 992.2 GTS. The system combines a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder engine with an electric motor and produces a total of 532 hp. and 609 Nm of torque.

This is a significant improvement over the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine in the previous Cayman GT4 RS, which offered 495 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

The T-Hybrid unit was chosen for its compactness, as it is 110 mm shorter in length compared to the non-electrified boxer engine in the standard 911 Carrera.

The future of manual transmissions

Unlike the rear-engined 911, the 718 twins will retain their characteristic central layout, while maintaining the balance of handling that defines them. The only drawback is that the hybrid powertrain is currently only available with the eight-speed PDK transmission.

Unless Porsche engineers decide to adapt the system to a manual transmission, which seems unlikely due to layout and hybrid integration limitations, it could spell the end of the manual transmission era for the 718 lineup.

Performance and Design

While the hybrid sports cars will have more than enough power, they are expected to be slower than the all-electric 718 variants in a straight line. On the track, however, the combustion engine versions are likely to regain the advantage thanks to their lighter weight, sharper suspension and more focused aerodynamics.

Spy photographers have spotted numerous camouflaged prototypes of the next-generation 718 series undergoing testing over the past few years. However, all of them have been equipped with electric powertrains.

Independent CGI artist Antoni Brigo has created renderings of the new Cayman GT4 with an internal combustion engine, adapting Porsche’s latest design language and providing us with the corresponding visuals for this report.



The next-generation Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman are due in 2026 after delays caused by research and development issues. First up will be the all-electric versions, with the GT4 RS and Spyder RS ​​hybrid successors joining later in the model cycle.

This phased launch should give Porsche engineers enough time to adapt the EV platform to the boxer hybrid, ensuring it meets the brand’s high standards.

These changes in Porsche's strategy reflect a difficult balance between technological progress and the preservation of the brand's traditional values. The transition to hybrid technology in top-of-the-range models allows the company to meet modern environmental requirements without completely abandoning the characteristic features that have made its sports cars unique. Technical solutions such as the more compact hybrid system demonstrate Porsche's engineering prowess in combining high performance with new technologies.