Sad Day: Porsche Stops Taking Orders For The 718 Boxster And Cayman
We knew it was coming, but that doesn't make it any easier to stomach—Porsche has officially closed the order books for its mid-engine 718 Cayman and Boxster, confirming the end of an era for the brand’s entry-level sports cars.
Key Points
- Porsche has closed global order books for the gas-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster, with only unsold dealer stock left for buyers.
- The models were already withdrawn from Europe in 2024 after failing to meet new cybersecurity regulations, and production may continue into 2026 to clear existing orders.
- Both nameplates will return as all-electric sports cars by 2026, offered in rear- and all-wheel drive layouts, though Porsche faces the challenge of matching the driving character of their combustion predecessors.
The move clears the way for their all-electric replacements, which are set to debut—eventually.
For time, speculation has lingered, and enthusiasts have hoped that Porsche might keep internal-combustion versions of the 718 alive alongside EV successors. That rumor was fueled by repeated delays to the new electric Boxster and Cayman, which were originally expected to be on sale by now.
Instead, the EVs—built on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric architecture, already underpinning the Macan EV—remain in development while the gas-powered 718 meets its sunset. The EV versions are expected to offer both single-motor, rear-wheel drive, and dual-motor, all-wheel drive configurations. When the AWD models show up, they will be a first for the 718 family.
European shoppers lost access to the 718 earlier this year due to cybersecurity regulations that also ended sales of the gasoline Macan across the EU. Globally, however, production is still ongoing as the company works through outstanding orders.
Porsche hasn’t specified how long this will take, though reports suggest the final batches could continue rolling out of the factory into next year. Those final builds are expected to become highly collectible, given their status as the last combustion-powered versions of the mid-engine 718 platform.
The shutdown of new orders leaves a notable gap in Porsche’s lineup, particularly for enthusiasts seeking a relatively attainable, pure mid-engine sports car. In certain Porsche circles, it's been argued in hushed tones—for fear of PCA banishment or something—that the 718 is actually a better Porsche than the 911, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.
For Porsche fans who still want the soundtrack and feel of an internal-combustion engine, the 911 will continue on with gasoline power for the foreseeable future or maybe forever. Buyers sitting on the fence may find this news enough to push them into showrooms searching for one of the last cars remaining in stock, as the chance to order a new gas-powered Boxster or Cayman is now gone forever—unless Porsche changes its mind.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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This is like Dodge discontinuing the Charger and Challenger. Massive mistake, and mis-read of their customer base. Good luck with the EV crap that nobody wants.
Maybe it will work in Europe but not here.