--- title: "Next-Gen Porsche Boxster and Macan Could Still Get Gas Engines" date: "2024-10-28" modified: "2024-10-28" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/next-gen-porsche-boxster-and-macan-could-still-get-gas-engines" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Porsche News" tags: - "718 Boxster" - "718 Cayman" - "Convertible" - "Coupe" - "Electric Vehicle" - "luxury" - "Macan" - "porsche" - "sports car" - "suv/crossover" --- # Next-Gen Porsche Boxster and Macan Could Still Get Gas Engines ![]() *\Porsche\* Porsche's [new Macan]() is entirely electric, without an optional internal combustion powertrain offered. The next-generation [718 Boxster]() and [Cayman]() were also once [slated to go "exclusively" electric](), per Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. However, there's a chance that both nameplates could still return to dino juice, as another Porsche exec has stated the company's intent to develop gas-burning "derivatives" of EVs, thanks to the flexibility of its Leipzig plant. "On our electrified cars, I mentioned already that we are very flexible when it comes to our production footprint. We can produce combustion engine, plug-in hybrids, and electrified cars in one production line in [Leipzig]()," said Lutz Meschke, Porsche deputy chairman and finance board member, during a [recent earnings call]() following the company's Q3 financial report. "And when it comes to research and development, then you will see also flexibility in the upcoming years in the direction that we will develop also new combustion-engine derivatives in order to give the right answer to customer demand in the different world regions.” ![]() *Porsche Macan Electric. *Porsche** While Meschke didn't explicitly name which electric Porsches will see engines, the point he emphasized about Porsche having the ability to deliver multiple types of powertrains from a single production line is telling. The Leipzig factory manufactures the [Porsche Macan](), [Cayenne](), and [Panamera](). Admittedly, the Panamera and Cayenne offer both hybrid and combustion-only powertrains, so the talk of swapping them on one line could just be about those cars. However, considering how Meschke specifically highlighted "new" derivatives across all three types of propulsion, this could be a hint that the Macan may yet again get a gas engine going forward. Up until now, the new Macan generation was expected to only be electric, as the brand sought to electrify 80% of its lineup by 2030. However, Porsche recently made a course correction. "The transition to electric cars is taking longer than we thought five years ago," the company said in a July statement, according to *[Reuters]()*. With that recent decision to walk back its lofty EV goals, a gasoline-powered Macan variant makes a lot of sense. "Our double strategy is more important than ever," said Porsche. It also stands to reason that, if the Macan is getting a double or even triple-powertrain strategy, the 718 pair could adopt something similar. Especially if customer demand for the electric Boxster and Cayman aren't what Porsche had hoped for. ![]() *Porsche Macan Electric. *Porsche** However, there's a teeny, tiny problem: If Porsche wants to stuff gas engines in the new Macan EV and an electric two-door sports car, it might have to build entirely new models. The Macan Electric is built on the VW Group's new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) chassis, which is a purpose-built platform for EVs, and it's unclear if it's compatible with conventional powertrains. As for the electric 718, that's said to be built on a bespoke chassis, so that Porsche can make it as light and nimble as possible. Again, we don't know if it can house a piston engine. That's not to say it's impossible. At present, Porsche sells both the new electric and old gasoline-powered Macans in North America, which are built on different chassis. So Porsche may decide to build a previously unplanned successor to the gas-powered Macan to be sold alongside the new electric one. Perhaps the same could be said for the new Boxster and Cayman, if customers demand it. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()