Few cars capture the spirit of pure driving like the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster. For years, these mid-engine sports cars have been celebrated for their sharp handling, iconic design, and the thrill they deliver on both road and track. However, Porsche has now announced that the order books for the 718 Cayman and Boxster are officially closed, marking the beginning of the end for one of the most beloved chapters in Porsche’s history.
So, what led to this decision? What does it mean for enthusiasts and potential buyers? And most importantly, what’s next for Porsche’s mid-engine sports car lineup? Let’s dive in.
Why Porsche Closed the Order Books
The decision to stop taking new orders for the Cayman and Boxster wasn’t sudden. Several factors contributed:
- Transition to Electrification
Porsche is fully committed to an electric future. The company has already confirmed that the next-generation 718 series will be fully electric, aligning with global emissions regulations and sustainability goals. - High Demand and Limited Production
The 718 Cayman and Boxster were already in high demand worldwide. With production slots filling quickly, Porsche chose to stop accepting new orders to manage resources and focus on fulfilling existing bookings. - Global Emission Norms
Stricter regulations around combustion engines, particularly in Europe, have accelerated Porsche’s decision to wind down sales of its petrol-powered mid-engine models. - Strategic Shift
The brand wants to streamline its portfolio and prepare manufacturing facilities for the EV transition, particularly for the upcoming electric 718 models expected in the near future.
Impact on Enthusiasts and Buyers
For sports car fans, the Cayman and Boxster represented some of the purest driving experiences available at relatively accessible price points within Porsche’s lineup. With the order books now closed:
- Potential Buyers: Those who were waiting to place an order have missed their chance to buy a new 718 directly from Porsche. The only options left will be dealer inventory or the pre-owned market.
- Collectors: The 718 series is likely to become even more desirable, especially special editions like the Cayman GT4, GT4 RS, and Boxster 25 Years.
- Driving Purists: For enthusiasts who value naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions, this marks the end of an era. Future 718s will be electric, meaning no traditional flat-six roar.
How the 718 Cayman and Boxster Changed Porsche’s Story
The Cayman and Boxster were instrumental in shaping Porsche’s modern identity:
- 1996 – The Beginning: The first Boxster arrived as a more affordable Porsche, reviving the company during a tough financial period.
- 2005 – Cayman Joins the Family: The Cayman entered the lineup, offering a fixed-roof alternative with sharper handling.
- 718 Era (2016): Both cars were renamed under the 718 badge, with turbocharged flat-four engines to meet efficiency goals, though Porsche continued to offer flat-six engines in performance trims.
- GT4 and Special Editions: The Cayman GT4 and GT4 RS became legends among track-day enthusiasts, proving that the 718 platform could rival even the 911 in certain aspects.
What’s Next for Porsche’s Mid-Engine Lineup?
The closing of the 718 order books paves the way for the next-generation electric Cayman and Boxster, expected to debut around 2025–2026. Here’s what we know so far:
- Fully Electric Powertrains: Porsche will likely introduce dual-motor setups for performance and rear-motor variants for purists.
- Inspired by Mission R Concept: The electric 718 models will borrow design and technology from Porsche’s Mission R electric concept car.
- Lighter Batteries, More Range: Expect innovations in battery technology to keep the cars agile while offering competitive range.
- Positioning: The electric 718s will sit below the Porsche Taycan and Macan EV, maintaining their role as entry-level sports cars.
What It Means for the Market
The closure of orders is bittersweet but also a strategic step forward. Here’s what we can expect in the automotive landscape:
- Pre-Owned Market Boom: Demand for used Caymans and Boxsters is expected to rise significantly.
- Rarity of Petrol Models: Petrol-powered 718s will soon be considered modern classics.
- Shift in Customer Base: Younger, eco-conscious buyers may embrace the electric versions, while purists will cling to their combustion-engine cars.
- Increased Collectibility: Limited-edition models will gain in value as enthusiasts seek to preserve Porsche’s combustion heritage.
Final Thoughts: The End of One Era, The Beginning of Another
The closing of the order books for the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster is not just the end of a sales cycle – it’s the conclusion of a historic chapter. For nearly three decades, these cars have defined affordable performance in Porsche’s lineup, providing driving joy that balanced precision, agility, and iconic design.
Now, as Porsche prepares to electrify the 718 series, the Cayman and Boxster will live on as timeless classics, cherished by collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. The future promises exciting electric sports cars, but for many, the sound of a flat-six engine behind their heads will forever remain irreplaceable.
