The rumors about killing off the electric 718 can be put to rest: Porsche has officially confirmed the model is headed for production. No debut date, no power figures, no battery or range specs yet — but the project's existence is no longer in question.
As Michael Leiters told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Porsche's leadership concluded the electric 718 was the most economically sound decision available. That's a telling detail: back in early 2026, the project was tied to delays, ballooning costs and even outright cancellation talk.
In autumn 2025, Porsche officially placed the future two-seat 718-segment sports car into its EV lineup alongside the Taycan, Macan and Cayenne. At the same time, the automaker warned that some electric projects would be pushed back due to slower-than-expected demand growth. Leiters' statement settles the matter — the schedule revisions never meant killing the 718.
The Taycan's story is different. Porsche isn't planning to discontinue it anytime soon, but the lineup is getting trimmed — fewer versions, fewer technical combinations. Fewer options means lower spending on development, certification, component sourcing and upkeep of low-volume variants.
Investment in the model keeps flowing, though. The 2027 model year Taycan gains the E-Shift system with eight virtual gears, updated infotainment, and a WLTP range of up to 700 km.
So why the shake-up in the first place? Look at the numbers. In the first half of 2026, Porsche delivered 6,219 Taycan units to customers — down 25% year-on-year. Sales of the old 718 collapsed 73%, to 2,789 cars, after production of the gas-powered Boxster and Cayman ended back in October 2025.
The electric 718 is meant to fill the gap left in the two-seat sports car lineup. Ahead of the official reveal, it's too early to name a launch date, body styles, or a shared platform with Audi. Only two things are confirmed: the 718 project is moving forward, and Porsche wants to make the Taycan cheaper to build — through a simpler, leaner lineup.
