Porsche 718 models will be available in both electric and fuel-powered versions

【PCauto】Porsche's next-generation 718 series is undergoing the most radical power strategy adjustment in the brand's history. Following the Macan, this iconic mid-engine sports car will be available in both electric and internal combustion engine versions, sharing the PPE Sport architecture specifically designed for electric vehicles.

Porsche will balance the development of fuel and pure electric models

As Porsche's most accessible sports car series, the power transformation of the 718 Cayman and Boxster has attracted much attention.

The brand initially planned a full transition to electrification, but with the relaxation of the Euro-7 emissions standard proposal and a commitment to driving purity, it ultimately decided to retain the internal combustion engine version.

According to outgoing CEO Oliver Blume, the candidate powertrain for the internal combustion engine version includes an upgraded version of the 4.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder Boxer engine currently equipped in the 718 GT4 RS. This naturally aspirated engine is known for its high-revving characteristics and unique sound.

Currently, Porsche's Weissach engineering center has carried out reverse engineering modifications on the PPE Sport platform dedicated to electric vehicles, by developing bolted structural floor components, redesigning the rear partition and subframe, and optimizing the adaptation for mid-engine layouts, striving to be the key to this strategic adjustment on the technical level.

This new design concept is very ingenious; it retains the advanced performance of the 800V high-voltage fast-charging electric vehicle platform and also makes room for the engine, achieving the efficient assembly of two different core components on the same production line.

For the fully electric version of the 718, it is built on an architecture derived from the Mission R concept car, supporting fast charging to 80% battery capacity in 15 minutes, with a WLTP range exceeding 325 miles. The performance parameters of the electric 718 are equally impressive.

In the performance version, the GTS dual-motor all-wheel-drive model can output about 490 horsepower, while the Turbo tri-motor version reaches 600 horsepower, with 0-100km/h acceleration expected to be under 3 seconds.

The design continues the classic long-hood, short-tail proportions, adds a full-width LED taillight and quad-headlight setup, moves the charging port to the center of the rear bumper, and extends the wheelbase by 10-15 centimeters to accommodate the T-shaped battery pack.

Porsche 718 Configuration and Pricing Await Official Announcement

Although the specific price has not yet been released, based on the current starting price of RM545,000 for the 718 model, the electric version might see an increase of 15%-20%.

It is worth noting that due to the production capacity issues of the battery supplier Northvolt, the release of the electric version might be delayed.