Just over a year ago, Porsche teased the return of the 718 models with gas engines, and now we’re sad to report that the ICE-powered Boxster and Cayman are officially dead for good. The Sportwagenschmiede ’35 strategy detailed today during the 2026 Capital Markets Day focuses only on the electric models, so naturally we had to ask Zuffenhausen about the missing piece of the product puzzle.

In a statement to Motor1, Porsche’s Head of Corporate Communications, Matthias Rauter, clarified that the combustion-engine 718 duo was never actually confirmed for a comeback. Hence, the cars aren’t technically canceled since they weren’t even approved to begin with. Technicalities aside, the hard fact is this: The Boxster and Cayman are not getting their beloved gas engines back.

The previous announcement said the new 718 would offer combustion engines alongside fully electric versions, but with a twist. The ICE was supposed to be reserved for the top versions, leading to speculation that the cars would get a flat-six engine and a price tag above the EVs. Well, it’s not happening anymore. Ok, at that point, Porsche did say “potential midterm drivetrain portfolio in the product roadmap” in one of the slides, so I guess it wasn’t a done deal after all.

That's a shame, because a modern combustion-powered Boxster or Cayman could have been one of the most interesting cars in Porsche's lineup. Replacing the engine with a large battery is a huge philosophical shift for a car built around the joy of driving, and it’ll be interesting to see how many enthusiasts Porsche can convince to make the switch.

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