Latest news with #Porsche718
Motor 1
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Porsche Should Just Cancel the Electric 718
The 718 is one of the last truly great sports cars. It receives near-universal praise by adhering to a simple formula: An engine in the middle and a manual transmission, packaged into a sleek, well-built layout. This collection of attributes is exceedingly rare in 2025. The 718 is also old. It runs on a version of the 981-generation Cayman and Boxster platform, which debuted way back in 2012. That's most evident in the interior, which hasn't changed much in over a decade. Upgrades are needed, no doubt. But going electric is not the answer. The 718 is the purest form of driving fun from Porsche, and to turn it into an EV would strip away much of what makes it so special. I see so little hope for this car that I believe it should just be shelved. Here's why. Who Are the Customers? Do They Even Exist? An early electric 718 Boxster prototype, spotted in 2022. Photo by: Automedia It was back in 2022 when Porsche announced that the 718 would be going electric. That feels like a lifetime ago, at the tail-end of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent world shutdowns, production pauses, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuations in demand for EVs and gas-powered cars alike. With tariffs in the mix and the impending doom of the federal tax credit, the dust is far from settled. But one thing is clear: The mass adoption of EVs isn't happening as quickly as Porsche expected. Five years ago, much of the world suspected we'd all be driving electric cars by 2030, mostly due to government mandates. Clearly, that's not going to happen. From the get-go, the announcement of an electric 718 felt like something Porsche had to do, not something people clamored for. It was either go electric or let the car die. Now, in 2025, it feels like the German automaker is developing a car for a customer base that never materialized. The only time you'll hear, 'I'm hyped to take delivery of my electric 718!' will be from a customer desperate to stay on the list for a GT3 allocation. There will be outliers, sure, but the Venn diagram for those who think just as highly of the EV as the outgoing gas-powered car will likely be two entirely separate circles. The current 718 is already a niche vehicle for Porsche. It's the company's second-lowest seller—only the all-electric Taycan sold fewer units last year. Switching the little two-seater to EV power will bury it into an even deeper niche—one that might not even exist. Proof of that is evident elsewhere in Porsche's lineup. The Macan was supposed to go all-electric last year, but continued demand for the gas-powered version has forced the company to build both variants alongside each other. Guess which model sees more sales? Porsche Is Struggling to Make the Electric 718 Viable A rendering of what we think the Porsche 718 Cayman EV will look like. Photo by: Motor1 Several manufacturers have attempted to emulate the soul of gas-powered cars in their EVs, whether through faux exhaust noises or synthetic gearboxes , to garner sales. Some (like Hyundai) do it better than others (like Dodge). Removing the engine from a mid-engine car highlights a broader issue with the car's handling attributes. Mid-engine cars have their engine in the middle to optimize weight distribution and improve handling. As such, mid-engine cars feel a certain way to drive versus, say, a front- or rear-engine car. Replicating that feeling in an EV is tough, considering most use floor-mounted batteries, which place the bulk of the car's weight at the bottom of the chassis. That's great for outright handling prowess, but it means EVs are harder to differentiate from behind the wheel. Porsche has been mum on powertrain specs for the electric 718, with rumors suggesting it could borrow the Macan EV's battery floor-style architecture. Another rumor claimed the car could run its battery pack in a mid-engine format to keep weight in a similar place, similar to the Pininfarina Battista . Either way, rumors suggest Porsche isn't having an easy time developing the 718 EV. A December report from Automobilwoche , the German arm of Automotive News Europe, claimed development of the electric 718 was 'well behind schedule,' with Porsche 'constantly requesting adjustments' from its battery supplier, Valmet Automotive. Another report from the same publication claims the car will now debut in 2027—roughly two years later than planned. Can the Electric 718 Be Successful? A 718 Cayman EV prototype, spotted in 2025. Photo by: KGP Photography Let's get this straight: While Porsche should simply cancel the electric 718, it won't. Development is already too far along, and corporations this large move at a snail's pace. Important decisions like this are made years in advance. The gas-powered car is reportedly set to end production within the month . There's no going back now. I'm no development executive, but I have driven a bunch of cars—including a few truly fun EVs. In my mind, two things might make the 718 work: 1. Fake Gear Shifts and Engine Sounds These are the gimmicks I'll defend with my life. Sure, it's an inauthentic experience. And it sounds like a joke on paper. But after driving the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N —the car that shepherded this tech to production—it's clear this is the path forward to convincing enthusiasts. Make the car drive like a gas car, and people who enjoy driving will flock to it. It's the sole reason why I'd take the Hyundai over any EV from Porsche right now. 2. Don't Make It Stupidly Expensive When cars go from gas-powered to electric, the price tag always seems to jump. It makes sense, considering the new platform and all the new tech that needs to be developed. Right now, the 718 Cayman starts at $74,795. If Porsche could somehow keep the EV under 80 grand, the company might not fully alienate its buyer base. Sadly, I don't see either of these things happening for the electric 718. Development driver Lars Kern outright confirmed to Australian media in 2024 that Porsche wouldn't explore adding simulated gear shifts, saying, 'The electric engine is better than an ICE [internal combustion engine], so we figured there's no reason to simulate what has been in the past.' As for pricing, we simply have to look at the Macan. The gas-powered model starts at a reasonable $64,895. The cheapest EV, meanwhile, carries an MSRP of $77,295. Going electric nets you 94 extra horsepower, but you lose all-wheel drive. If you want all four wheels driven in the EV, you'll be paying at least $80,795. By this same logic, we should expect the electric 718 to start in the high $80,000 range, pushing it further out of reach. Photo by: DW Burnett / Motor1 I'm sure the electric 718 will be incredible to drive. The Taycan is one of the best EVs to wheel, after all, so a smaller, two-seat equivalent should be even more fun. But without the fake gear shifts or a reasonable price tag, I'm not sure why anyone would buy it over, say, a Lotus Emira or a Chevy Corvette. Or even just a used 718. More on This World-Class Sports Car Porsche 718 Posts Big Sales Gain Despite Imminent Demise It's Insane That the Porsche 718 Spyder RS Exists: Video Review Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Porsche 718 Boxster EV will be a mid-engined (sort of)
Porsche has confirmed that its upcoming fully electric successor to the 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars will utilise a unique stacked mid-mounted battery architecture, enabling the firm to replicate the effect of a low-slung two-seater, while also maximising range and minimising weight. Speaking to Auto Express, Porsche's head of safety systems, Dr. Simon Maurer, said: 'It's well known that we're making an electric sports car and for that, an underfloor battery will be impossible – not only for the centre of gravity, but also for dimensions.' With this in mind, the electric 718, which will be offered in coupé Cayman and soft-top Boxster guises, will instead adopt the same mid-mounted stacked battery arrangement as in 2021's Mission R concept. This will give Porsche's EV sports car a similar weight distribution to that of a traditional ICE sports model, and allow for a much lower driving position than is the case in the Taycan. Advertisement - Article continues below Porsche is not the first to experiment with unique battery configurations; the Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore, for example, arranges its cells in a 'T' shape to enable driver and passenger to sit either side, which is a concept also expected to be mirrored by the upcoming electric Mazda MX-5. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Nevertheless, Porsche says the 718's battery will be 'smaller than that of the Macan or Taycan' in order to keep weight to a minimum. Otmar Bitsche, the Stuttgart-based firm's expert on EV powertrains, described how the system will instead focus on high energy density, with 'the relative power capability of [the] sports car's cell [being] higher relative to that of the Macan's – maybe about in the same range as the Taycan'. This being the case, we could expect a battery similar in capacity to the Mission R's 82kWh unit, but much smaller in terms of dimensions than the under-floor pack in the Macan. Porsche tells us that it's aiming for an official range figure of over 300 miles, and that all of its future EVs, for the foreseeable future, will be powered by 800-volt technology, enabling lightning-fast charging. And that's not all, as vice president of energy systems, Heiko Mayer, told Auto Express that another focus for Porsche with its first electric sports car is to improve battery longevity. Porsche already estimates its battery systems are good for 15 years and up to 300,000km (186,000 miles). Mayer said: 'Our customers don't just tend to have a [sports car] product for one or two years… they have it for seven, eight or even nine years.' Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The boffins at Porsche say that a longer lifespan than a traditional EV battery should be expected from the new 718, despite a higher operating temperature to increase performance and the expectation that customers will drive their cars hard frequently. Not that you'll need to rag the electric 718 too much to get up to speed, as it's expected to come in both single and dual-motor forms, with even the base model likely improving on the petrol model's 4.5-second 0-62mph time. However, we don't quite expect the production car to match the Mission R, nor the subsequent Cayman GT4 ePerformance's titanic 1,073bhp output. In terms of appearance, the next-generation 718 will essentially look like a modernised version of the current car, taking into account elements found in the Taycan and most recent Porsche 911, such as the quad-dot headlights and straked front bumper (which potentially could have active aero elements) respectively. As is customary nowadays, the electric Cayman and Boxster will get a full-width light bar at the rear which, like on the new Macan, could be offered with a fully illuminated 'PORSCHE' script. Of course, there'll be no exhaust pipe sitting below, with the optional Porsche Sport Sound generator providing the only audible driving accompaniment. Inside, the electric 718 is certain to be a revolution in terms of design and tech compared with the ageing petrol model. Just like the Taycan, Macan and 911, the 718 EV will get a fully digital instrument cluster, as well as a widescreen centre display. As is always the case with Porsche models, there will be plenty of scope for customers to specify their car exactly to their liking, with a range of exterior and interior colour choices. We expect the new electric Porsche 718 to be revealed in the latter stages of this year, going on sale at the beginning of 2026. Pricing is, of course, up in the air at this stage, but a starting figure of around £75,000 for an entry-level Cayman seems likely, with the convertible Boxster inevitably costing slightly more. Now read our list of the best sports cars ... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers? Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Family-friendly SUV is arguably Ford's best electric car, and great value, too. It's our Deal of the Day for 24 May
CNA
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
'Living perfectly well without American goods': Why more Chinese shoppers support local brands
SINGAPORE: Yu, a 32-year-old internet and trade worker from Hangzhou, used to drive around in a German-made Porsche 718. She has since traded that for a grey six-seater by leading Chinese EV maker Li Auto, which she said boasts better 'smart driving' and navigation features, delivering a superior overall experience. The price and prestige might not be the same, said Yu, who wished to be identified only by her first name - but her shift to domestic Chinese-made products has not stopped at car choices. 'My husband and I were joking the other day and counting how many American brands we had at home - turns out it was only MacBooks and iPhones and even those were made in China.' Another Chinese consumer, working in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, told CNA that many in China were 'living perfectly well without American goods'. 'Phones, computers, routers, watches are all from Huawei, my TV is from TCL Technology and my air-conditioner is from Gree,' said the worker, who asked not to be named, referring to two major Chinese electronics manufacturers from Guangdong province. 'Good quality, good service and fair prices - if US-made goods met those criteria, I'd choose them too.' 'The last time I saw a truly American product was a few days ago at Costco in China,' he said. '(It was) US beef but I didn't buy any because it tastes gamey and has that mad-cow precedent.' FROM EXPORTING GLOBALLY TO BUYING LOCALLY A dramatic shift is underway as a result of US President Donald Trump's multi-front trade war, with Chinese brands, exporters and companies pivoting to the massive domestic consumer market to sell and promote their products originally bound for overseas. Chinese consumers have also been increasingly embracing local goods and brands over foreign products, experts told CNA. 'This domestic substitution is a long-term strategy, not just targeting American brands or products,' said Dan Wang, China director at the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. 'The idea (for Chinese consumers) is to substitute as much as possible to be self-sufficient and US brands certainly hurt the most because of the bilateral tensions. ' Since his return to the White House in January, Trump's ratcheting up of tariffs against China, to as high as 145 per cent, has plunged the two largest economies into a new phase of global uncertainty. Official trade talks have yet to take place but Beijing has unveiled plans to help tariff-hit firms and said it was 'evaluating' an offer from Washington to hold talks, according to China's Commerce Ministry on Friday (May 2). The door was open for discussions, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Washington needed to show 'sincerity' in negotiations and should be prepared to take action in 'correcting erroneous practices' and cancel unilateral tariffs. 'Attempting to use talks as a pretext to engage in coercion and extortion would not work,' it said. Beijing has also granted tariff exemptions on select products, reportedly creating a 'white list' of items which included pharmaceuticals, microchips, aircraft engines, US ethane, and was asking firms to identify critical goods they need levy-free, according to a Reuters report on Apr 25. Government officials in the manufacturing hub of Xiamen, also recently surveyed firms to assess the impact of tariffs on local businesses, the Reuters report said, quoting a source with 'direct knowledge of the matter'. Analysts told CNA that such targeted outreach reflected Beijing's awareness of the underlying industrial strain. Eurasia Group's Wang said the pressure was building on Chinese producers rather than shoppers, with small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs) particularly exposed. 'SME bankruptcy is real because of this tariff war,' Wang said, also warning of a broader employment impact as certain sectors remain deeply tied to US exports and technologies. Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at the Dutch banking and financial group ING, said ongoing efforts by Beijing reflected a wider focus on price consciousness among Chinese consumers. 'The tariff scenario is definitely going to move (Chinese) demand further away from those products,' Song said. In China, imported foreign goods are also relatively 'easier to substitute' with locally made options, Song said. 'The impact on Chinese consumers would be relatively minor.' Zhu, a 25-year-old living in Shanghai, said he noticed a growing trend of 'resisting' American brands and products. 'I can't actually find anything around me that's made in the US,' he said. An avid guitarist, Zhu has also noticed prices of American guitars 'skyrocketing' under recent tariffs. 'People have just stopped buying them,' he said, adding that it wasn't due to fear but defiance. 'I feel our national fighting spirit has been ignited. I see people online saying, 'Let's fight back!'' American brands, though, were already losing ground in China before this latest wave of tariffs, noted observers. 'Chinese consumers already have a preference for European brands or Japanese brands, if it comes to a foreign brand,' Wang said. 'Even for cosmetics, there has been some substantial substitution with domestic production.' 'American brands, they're not doing that great when it comes to consumer goods (in China).' PROTECTING AMERICAN CONSUMERS But what about the impact of the tariff war on American consumers? While Beijing has been quietly insulating strategic imports, US officials have also been taking bigger steps to shield American consumers from the full brunt of the trade war, most notably in the tech industry. According to official data, top US imports from China have largely been electrical machinery and equipment parts, valued at around US$123.8 billion and making up 28.2 per cent of total imports. To avoid blowback and protect US tech giants like Apple whose products are made and produced in China, Chinese-imported devices like smartphones, laptops and other electronics, as well as semiconductor chips, solar cells and flat panel TV displays, have been excluded from Trump's reciprocal tariffs. 'This is kind of a sign that Trump will listen if there's a strong enough voice lobbying against (tariffs),' Song said. Commonly used devices like iPhones were spared for political reasons, Wang said. 'For something like iPhones to suddenly get (even more) expensive because they're already expensive (to begin with), or even disappear from many of the markets in the US, it's probably too much of a political pushback, even for Trump.' But bigger costs would still likely show up on US store shelves in the coming months, Wang added. 'American consumers will have fewer selections so it's direct damage, basically.' BLACK FRIDAY, CHRISTMAS AT RISK? The bigger pinch is now around the corner, analysts said. 'It should actually get worse in the coming months,' Song said. 'Once (current stocks and) inventory is depleted, companies will be forced to choose between empty shelves or paying the tariffs.' 'The inflation pressure is real,' Wang said, adding that the impact would be especially felt during key retail periods like annual Black Friday sales, back-to-school seasons and Christmas. US e-commerce giant Amazon has already cancelled orders for multiple products sourced from China and other Asian countries and have been sourcing new suppliers. The National Retail Federation (NRF), which includes members like superchain retailers Target and Walmart, has forecast a sharp decline in US imports for the second half of 2025, a stark signal of caution heading into crucial sales periods ahead. For American consumers, finding alternatives to Chinese-made goods would be significantly more difficult, analysts said, noting that China's dominance in low-cost manufacturing - from electronics and toys to household goods - created dependencies that were not easily replaced. 'A lot of these products don't really have a cheaper alternative,' said Song, who noted that US firms had once attempted to diversify their sourcing during the first US-China trade war but found it harder than expected. 'It's not like … you can immediately ramp up production in Vietnam or Mexico,' Song said. 'The cost will be pushed on to the US consumer.' 'It's highly unlikely that the US can build a strong supply chain, just like China does,' said Wang, adding that while some companies were investing in domestic facilities, they still would not match China's scale, speed or cost efficiency. According to data from Vizion, a real-time AI container tracking platform, US import bookings on massive container ships dropped by 64 per cent in March and April as Trump's sweeping 'reciprocal' tariffs kicked off. German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd reported a 30 per cent cancellation rate from customers on shipments from China to the US, according to a company spokesperson who cited a 'massive increase' in demand for consignments from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. IMPACT IN THE YEAR AHEAD Despite the escalating tit-for-tat, analysts said neither Beijing nor Washington appeared ready for full consumer-level decoupling. If China really wanted to accelerate the break, it could spark consumer nationalism, Wang said, as it had done in past disputes with Japan and South Korea. 'But the Chinese government so far has refrained from doing that.' According to trade data, the United States bought US$439 billion worth of goods from China in 2024 - more than three times the US$143.5 billion it sold in return. While she acknowledged that inflation may be more visible in the US, she argued that the broader risk lies with China. 'For the US, most of the problem is in the potential recession, but it's not caused by tariffs,' she said. 'Inflation might be caused by tariffs, but it doesn't seem that the American people are as worried about inflation as they worry about recession. So I think the risk to China is bigger.' Others added that global uncertainty would continue in the months ahead. It's a 'waiting game', Song said. 'We're in a test of endurance right now - which side will feel the pain first and which side has to lower its head and come to the table.' Experts previously told CNA that many Chinese factories were already seeing supply outpace demand and also noted that not all goods intended for US markets would appeal to Chinese buyers. China would not be immune to pressure, Wang said. 'Although China can produce everything, the indirect impact from overflooding its massive consumer market would be pretty big.' Sky-high tariffs are unsustainable, experts said, but even if rates are eventually scaled back, relations between the world's two biggest economies have already changed. 'Maybe we will see a kind of gradual pivot away from the previous, highly interconnected nature of the USA and China, given the broader geopolitical risk involved,' Song said. But for consumers on the ground like Yu, the shift from global to domestic has already taken hold. 'Times have long changed,' she said. 'It hasn't disrupted our lives. If anything, it bolsters our support (for Chinese brands).'
Los Angeles Times
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Los Angeles Times
Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles Introduces New Demonstration Laps
New options allow guests to experience Porsche performance from the passenger seat Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) has announced that Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles (PECLA) is expanding its track experiences with the introduction of two new demonstration lap options. These additions bring the number of track experiences available at the PECLA to more than 40. 'We want as many people to experience that special moment - the thrill that is riding in a Porsche on track alongside a professional instructor - that truly brings home what our cars are about,' said Michelle Rainey, director of Porsche Experience Centers. 'We're proud to be able to provide this option, which is at a lower cost than our driving experiences and allows our instructors to truly demonstrate what our cars are capable of.' New options, which include 'Drift Demonstration Laps,' occur on the Low Friction Handling Circuit in a Porsche 911 GT3. Guests will experience the vehicle control techniques necessary to keep the car in a consistent and controlled skid. Also new to the menu are 'Off-Road Demonstration Laps' in a Porsche Cayenne S on PECLA's Off-Road Course, navigating logs, moguls and rock beds with steep descents and even moments on three wheels. The two new options join the popular Handling Circuit Demonstration Laps. Guests who choose this high-speed experience that simulates driving on a country road can pick from a diverse range of Porsche models, including the iconic Porsche 911, the mid-engine Porsche 718, Porsche's original electric vehicle, the Taycan, or an all-electric Macan Turbo SUV, offering a unique experience for every Porsche enthusiast. Similar programs are also available at PEC Atlanta (PECATL). Now celebrating 10 years in the United States, PEC Atlanta and PEC Los Angeles are fully immersive brand destinations. On the track, there are experiences both for drivers and passengers. Off the track are ever-changing displays of curated vehicles, simulators and unique dining experiences. In addition, retail stores offer something for enthusiasts of all ages, along with various meeting spaces and iconic architecture that serve as the backdrop for guest visits. Information was sourced from Globe Newswire. To learn more, contact or
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles Introduces New Demonstration Laps
Los Angeles, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) announced today that Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles (PECLA) is expanding its track experiences with the introduction of two new demonstration lap options. These additions bring the number of track experiences available at the PECLA to more than 40. 'We want as many people to experience that special moment - the thrill that is riding in a Porsche on track alongside a professional instructor – that truly brings home what our cars are about,' said Michelle Rainey, Director of Porsche Experience Centers, 'We're proud to be able to provide this option, which is at a lower cost than our driving experiences, and allows our instructors to truly demonstrate what our cars are capable of.' Guests can now choose from the following options, which are available from $100: Drift Demonstration Laps occur on the Low Friction Handling Circuit in a Porsche 911 GT3. Guests will experience the vehicle control techniques necessary to keep the car in a consistent and controlled skid. Off-Road Demonstration Laps feature the Porsche Cayenne S on PECLA's Off-Road Course, navigating logs, moguls, and rock beds with steep descents and even moments on three wheels. The two new options join the popular Handling Circuit Demonstration Laps. Guests who choose this high-speed experience that simulates driving on a country road can pick from a diverse range of Porsche models, including the iconic Porsche 911, the mid-engine Porsche 718, Porsche's original electric vehicle, the Taycan, or an all-electric Macan Turbo SUV, offering a unique experience for every Porsche enthusiast. Similar programs are also available at PEC Atlanta (PECATL). Now celebrating 10 years in the United States, PEC Atlanta and PEC Los Angeles are fully immersive brand destinations. On the track, there are thrilling experiences both for drivers and passengers. Off the track are ever-changing displays of curated vehicles, simulators, and unique dining experiences. In addition, retail stores offer something for enthusiasts of all ages, along with various meeting spaces and iconic architecture that serve as the backdrop for an unforgettable visit.
