Porsche announces the early retirement of some of its most beloved combustion-engine models.
Porsche is accelerating its transition to electric vehicles, bringing an early end to the production of some of its iconic internal-combustion models. The carmaker has announced the petrol-powered versions of the 718 Boxster, Cayman, and Macan will soon be discontinued, marking a significant shift in their strategy.
The decision to halt production of these models comes as Porsche pushes forward with its electric vehicle agenda. Albrecht Reimold, a member of Porsche’s executive board, explained that the gas-powered versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman will cease production by mid-2024. These beloved sports cars have already been retired in Europe due to new cybersecurity regulations, but they remain available outside the EU—for now.
The Macan, a popular SUV, will also see its petrol version phased out by 2026. Although the electric Macan is already on the market, the older combustion-engine model continues to be sold outside of Europe. However, Porsche is preparing to fully commit to the electric successor. The limited availability of parts and increasingly strict regulations in Europe have accelerated the decision to end production of the gas-powered Macan.
Reimold emphasized it would not be financially feasible to continue investing in updates for a decade-old vehicle, even though the Macan remains one of Porsche’s best-selling models. “Volume alone is not a benchmark for us as a luxury manufacturer,” he said, highlighting Porsche’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
The upcoming electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman have been described as “real fun cars” by Reimold, who has already test-driven the prototypes. While enthusiasts might be nostalgic for the roar of the traditional engines, the new electric models promise to deliver thrilling performance with modern, eco-friendly technology.
The retirement of these iconic models is expected to have a significant impact on Porsche’s sales figures. In 2023, the 718 lineup saw a 13% increase in sales, with 20,518 units sold. The Macan continued to be a strong performer with 87,355 units sold, just behind the Cayenne. However, with the shift to electric vehicles, Porsche is preparing for a new era of automotive innovation.
The electric Macan, already on the market, aims to attract buyers who previously preferred the gasoline version. As for the 718 Boxster and Cayman, it remains to be seen how fans will react to the new electric variants. With the end of the petrol-powered models in sight, there might be a surge in sales as enthusiasts rush to purchase the last of these classic sports cars.
While the transition marks the end of an era for some of Porsche’s most iconic models, it also heralds the beginning of a new chapter in high-performance, environmentally conscious driving.
