New models of Porsche’s convertible 718 Boxster and Cayman hard top are in the works, according to the carmaker’s chief executive Oliver Blume. The two sports cars will be offered in electric form for the first time.
In an interview with Autocar, Blume said prototypes of the current convertible and coupe were “running in electric now”, adding that a hybrid prototype was also being built.
“If you look to the next generation of those cars it is possible”, he said, but “not yet clear” whether the company will opt for a conventional hybrid or a plug-in version where drivers can charge the vehicle’s battery through a power outlet.
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Company insiders told the motoring magazine that the hybrid models would be built on the existing production platform that underpins the current 718 sports cars.
But an internal investigation found that the 718’s production architecture couldn’t support a lithium ion battery large enough to deliver a range of over 186 miles, said the US news site MotorAuthority.
Porsche may instead use a dedicated production platform for all-electric versions of the 718 convertible and coupe.
There are still a few years to go before the next generation Boxster and Cayman cars hit UK showrooms. For now, here’s everything we know about them:
Release date
All-electric versions of the Boxster and Cayman are tipped to arrive in 2022, a year after the release of the Macan EV crossover, says Autocar.
Prices
The current 718 Boxster and Cayman are the most affordable cars in Porsche’s range. The entry-level convertible starts at £45,900, while the coupe comes in at £44,074.
While the hybrid models are unlikely to cost significantly more, an all-electric version could command a significant premium. Expect prices to rise by up to £15,000 for an EV.
Engines and performance
Details about the next-generation of 718 Boxster and Cayman are hard to come by. There’s also no official word from Porsche about what engine – or electric motor – configuration will power the new cars.
However, Autocar claims that the new models will use updated versions of the turbocharged flat-four engines that power the current range of 718 sports cars. As Blume hinted, the engines may have some form of hybrid power, though it’s not yet known whether Porsche will opt for a continual system or a plug-in version.
Meanwhile, MotorAuthority says the electric Boxster and Cayman could be the first cars to use the Sports car Platform Electric (SPE) from Porsche’s parent company Volkswagen. Another option is VW’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which will underpin the new Macan EV crossover.
We don’t yet know what range the electric sports car will offer but we can hazard a guess. Given that Porsche is aiming for a greater range than 186 miles, there’s a good chance the EV Boxster and Cayman could boast battery ranges north of 200 miles.
