The Boxster and Cayman are incredible pieces of the Porsche family, which already hold over 25 years of mid-engine history. The “entry level” sports car family is important to Porsche, as it allows people to not only join the Porsche faithful for around $60,000, but it gives customers a stepping stone to experience the brand before getting into a legendary 911. Sales have been a bit soft since the 718-generation introduced turbocharged 4-cylinder power, but the promise of hybrid or full electric propulsion has us excited for the future of the mid-engine lineup.
Pretty soon it’s going to be time for Porsche to introduce the next generation of mid-engine sports car to keep that lineage alive and kicking. The company is already testing some prototype “mules” out at the ‘Ring, fitted with extra widebody add-ons. Mules are cars that manufacturers build on existing platforms using next-generation parts to test fitment, clearance, dynamics, and driveability. Presumably this means the next-generation car will feature wheels poking out a bit wider than the centerline of a 718 chassis. Much like the 987 was an update on the 986 chassis design, it’s likely that the next-gen car will feature a similar chassis design to the 981/718 siblings, but updated for the rigors of more power and bigger tires.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has already confirmed that the 718 will have a successor, but has not indicated exactly when that might be coming. As for propulsion, all options are still on the table, including internal combustion, hybrid, and full battery electric. The spy photographer who captured these photos told us that the car shown here is still powered by burning gasoline, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the production version will do the same. As a mule, this car could be just a suspension mule or a brakes mule or an aerodynamics mule. Judging by all of the reference markers on the exterior of the car, Porsche is definitely doing some kind of aerodynamics studies with this car.
Blume also said, “We have options to introduce a hybrid for the 911, so there is a future for combustion. But drivers who have driven an EV are convinced by it. We have lots of ideas for future electric cars. They will be 100 percent Porsche and more.”
We have certainly been convinced by Porsche EVs, and we would absolutely welcome an all-electric Cayman into our garage. Fingers crossed!
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All electric Cayman? No thanks! I could maybe get on board with a hybrid, but as with all total electrics, range is the main issue. If I want to take off on a weekender (or longer), I don't want to be hunting a charging station every 250 miles. I wasn't sold on the 718 turbo-four and opted to hunt for a low-mileage 981S. I don't regret that decision. Prettiest car I've ever owned, and more than enough power for the street where I do all my driving. And, OMG, that flat six sound! I could live with this one forever!