Porsche is considering doing the same thing to the Taycan and Panamera as is currently the case with the Macan and Cayenne: giving both the electric and combustion models the same name. Future generations could share more parts as part of the German manufacturer’s cost-cutting program.
With disappointing EV sales, falling market interest in China, and tariffs complicating matters further, Porsche needs to change course to grow again.
The shift toward electrification has been slowed down, with the Cayenne and its future flagship sibling keeping their combustion engines. But Porsche is also looking at other models to see if smaller efficiencies can be achieved.
Following the Macan and Cayenne
In the current Porsche model range, the Taycan and Panamera are actually outliers. Both the Macan and Cayenne have EV and ICE variants, although the Macan is going EV-only soon.
And the 718 Boxster and Cayman are set to take the same road, but more on that later. But the Taycan and Panamera remain in their own category – for now.
Sharing parts and development resources
According to Autocar, Porsche is considering merging its two sporty saloons into a single model name. A complete merger into a single model is not yet feasible, as Porsche lacks a platform that supports both ICE and BEV powertrains.
But sharing a name, parts, and design features could cut costs, especially if the development of both models can be grouped into a single program.
However, this is a plan that would likely only bear fruit somewhere around 2030, when both models are set to be replaced. And even then, nothing is sure. Which name has more recognition and will therefore survive for this new, combined model? Nothing is set in stone.
718 EV probably coming after all
And the same goes for the successor to the 718 Cayman and Boxster, which was set to become all-electric before poor EV sales put a spanner in the works.
Porsche was reportedly considering axing the electric variant and going combustion-only. Still, it seems like the electric two-seater coupe and convertible will see the light of day after all.
Daniel Schmollinger, CEO of Porsche Cars Australia, told Car Sales that the 718 EV is still on the way. “We can’t tell yet when it’s coming, but I had the chance to drive it, and it is actually amazing,” Schmollinger said.
“A Boxster-type car should give you the weight distribution, a very go-kart feeling, and it provides that. And with the electric engine, of course, it gives you even more dynamic driving.”
This comes after Audi confirmed it would launch its electric TT successor, based on the Concept C, regardless of whether Porsche would make its own electric sports car.
It seems Porsche has decided to launch the 718 EV after all, especially since Audi is sharing some of the platform costs. But combustion and/or hybrid variants should still be on the cards, broadening the appeal of the next-gen Boxster and Cayman.
