End of the Roar: Porsche Bids Farewell to the 718 Internal Combustion Engine

By Dean Kirkland

Published 1 year ago on

July 12, 2024

The cars that have been the heartbeat of Porsche's mid-engine lineup since 1996 will be replaced by all-electric counterparts.
Porsche's 191 MPH 718 Spyder RS is the last of its kind, the ultimate swan song for gas-powered 718s.
Deliveries are set to begin next spring, just before the all-electric 718's successor rolls out.

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Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the end of an era. Porsche is giving the internal combustion 718 Cayman and Boxster the boot.

That’s right, the cars that have been the heartbeat of Porsche’s mid-engine lineup since 1996 are set to drive off into the sunset in 2025, replaced by their all-electric counterparts.

Dean Kirkland Portrait

Dean Kirkland

Central Octane

Porsche’s production maestro, Albrecht Reimold, delivered the sad news in an interview with Automobilwoche. This isn’t a story about dwindling sales or lack of interest — oh no, these beauties are still flying off the lots. The move is to make room for the electric versions, which are slated to hit the road in 2025.

But before we get too teary-eyed, let’s not forget the grand finale: the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS. This bad boy is the last of its kind, the ultimate swan song for gas-powered 718s.

It’s a roadster version of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe, sharing the same high-revving, mid-mounted 4.0-liter flat-six engine that’s also found in the 911 GT3. This beast cranks out 493 horsepower and hits a redline at a screaming 9,000 RPM. That’s piston-pumping action at 27,000 times per minute.

Air intakes just behind the driver’s and passenger’s shoulders amplify the symphony of the naturally aspirated engine. Power is channeled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with paddle shifters at the ready for manual control.

Porsche 718 Spyder RS — The two-seat model has air intakes over the driver’s and passenger’s shoulders. (Porsche)

191 MPH Spyder RS Designed for the Track

The Spyder RS is designed for the track, with vents over the front wheels to cut aerodynamic lift and a ducktail spoiler for rear downforce. It rides on 20-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, supported by a computer-controlled suspension system. Top speed? A cool 191 mph.

Inside, you’ll find carbon fiber reinforced plastic-framed bucket seats, complete with provisions for racing harnesses. The Spyder RS is as raw as they come — no built-in roof, just a clip-on fabric top for when the weather really turns.

Priced at $162,150, the Spyder RS matches the Cayman GT4 RS coupe’s sticker and more than doubles the cost of an entry-level 718 Cayman or 718 Boxster convertible. Deliveries are set to begin next spring, just before the all-electric 718’s successor rolls out.

For those clutching their gas-powered 718s, this is your last hurrah. Reimold promises that the electric replacements will carry the torch of fun and performance, but nothing beats the sound and fury of an internal combustion engine at full tilt. So, if you’ve been on the fence about snagging a 718, consider this your final boarding call.

As Porsche dives headfirst into the electric age, they haven’t committed to going all-electric just yet. They’re investing in carbon-neutral synthetic fuel research, keeping the internal combustion dream alive, especially for icons like the 911.

Here’s to the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster — may your final miles be as exhilarating as your first. And for those of us not quite ready to embrace the silent hum of electric motors, let’s savor the roar of the internal combustion engine while we still can. Cheers.

About the Author

GV Wire Producer Dean Kirkland is the founder and director of Gas and Gears, an independent film production company that has produced numerous television series and feature films, including the award-winning documentary “Racing Through The Forest” (2014).