Porsche Isn't Actually Doing Gas Versions Of The Next Boxster And Cayman, But It Is Working On A New Mid-Engine Supercar

As someone who makes a living writing car blogs, I've lost track of the dozens upon dozens of dollars I've earned reporting on whether or not Porsche is making gas versions of the next-generation Boxster and Cayman. At first, Porsche was adamant that the new sports cars would be electric-only, then people said gas versions were happening again, and then we heard the project might actually be canceled. Now Porsche has confirmed that gas versions of the new 718s absolutely are not happening, for real this time. As a consolation prize and an indicator of where the real money is these days, Porsche is working on a new mid-engined supercar for its most well-connected billionaire clients to tussle over, with a concept to be revealed in a few weeks.

On Wednesday, Porsche laid out its new business strategy that'll apparently take it from now through 2035 — despite building some of the best automobiles in the world, the company isn't actually doing so hot, so there's a lot riding on this. Among the plans is the launch of the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman next year, with no mention at all of any gas-powered versions in the automaker's press release. When Motor1 asked about the gas 718s, Porsche Corporate Communications Head Matthias Rauter said that those cars weren't actually confirmed to begin with.

All that said, plans are plans until they aren't, and if history serves, we'll all be reading headlines in about 14 months' time about how the gas 718s are indeed on again.

What is said to be happening, though, is what Porsche calls the Mission S, a "preview of a potential mid-engined super sports car platform for the future" that would sit above the 911 in its range. Translation: if current plans pan out, a sequel to the 918 Spyder is finally coming. Said preview will be unveiled on October 15, probably at the Paris Auto Show, and based on how stuff like this tends to go, expect to see a concept car that'll be pretty close to what the production version will look like, if and when that comes to fruition. For now, Porsche posted a little teaser video of the thing on social media confirming that, yes, it definitely looks like a Porsche.

Details such as power, propulsion, price, and how many GT3s you need to already own to get an allocation will have to wait, but for what it's worth, the fact that Porsche uses the term "mid-engined" tells us that internal combustion will indeed be involved, unlike the electric Mission X concept pictured above. The new supercar might even get a flat-8 engine.

Other confirmed future products include a new gas and plug-in-hybrid "B-segment" SUV in 2028 to replace the old Macan and be sold alongside the new, electric Macan, plus more cars in the "high-margin D and E segments," including an even bigger SUV slotting above the Cayenne. Of course, if and when any of these plans either fall or follow through, I'll be here to tell you all about it and invoice *checks notes* Jalopnik for the privilege.