Porsche Extends Gas Engine Era into Next Decade

Porsche has confirmed the development of a new Cayenne model equipped with combustion engines, marking a shift in its strategy regarding electric vehicles (EVs). This decision comes after the automaker initially projected that EVs would account for over 80% of its sales by the end of the decade. However, this target has now been abandoned, as the adoption of electric vehicles has not met the expected pace. In 2025, only 22.2% of Porsche’s total shipments were electric vehicles.

Despite the introduction of an electric Cayenne, the original goal of achieving 80% EV sales seems unrealistic. Instead, Porsche is focusing on long-term commitments to combustion engines. The company has already announced plans for a new crossover powered by traditional engines, intended to replace the first-generation Macan.

The larger three-row SUV will debut with internal combustion engine (ICE) power, while a next-generation Cayenne featuring both gasoline and hybrid drivetrains is also in the pipeline. For car enthusiasts, the return of the 718 Cayman and Boxster with combustion engines is a positive development. As for the iconic 911, there have been no announcements about transitioning it to electric power. In fact, Porsche once stated that the 911 would be the last gas-fueled car in its history.

Porsche Is Holding On To Gas Engines

Looking ahead, Porsche has no intention of abandoning internal combustion engines. Ralf Keller, the Cayenne product boss, revealed in an interview with Auto Express that the brand plans to keep combustion engines and hybrids available well into the 2030s. “We plan to have these combustion engines and hybrids [available] far into the next decade,” he said.

The Cayenne is likely to be the first of a new wave of ICE-powered models. The current generation, introduced in 2017, received a facelift in 2023, and a replacement is expected within the next few years. Meanwhile, the electric 2027 Cayenne will remain strictly an EV, as it won’t be modified to accommodate both gasoline and electric drivetrains.

Keller mentioned that Porsche could use the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, which was co-developed with Audi. This platform will underpin a successor to the original Macan, which will be closely tied to the Audi Q5. The large three-row SUV is also expected to use this architecture, potentially sharing similarities with the upcoming Q9.

Porsche And Audi Are Deepening Their Ties

The next Cayenne could also be closely related to an Audi model, such as the third-generation Q7, which will launch later this year alongside the larger Q9. The PPE (Premium Platform Electric) is a follow-up to the MLB Evo architecture, with a stronger focus on hybrids and an upgraded electrical system, enabling more advanced technology.

For sports cars, the Boxster and Cayman are likely to remain an all-Porsche effort. However, the electric 718 models will be connected to Audi, as the Concept C targa stunner, set to launch next year, will use the same platform.

In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Porsche CEO Michael Leiters emphasized the importance of collaboration with Audi: “Audi is a key partner for us. We want to leverage shared potential even more.”

Both brands must align their strategies for combustion-engine vehicles depending on regional regulations. While the European Union has not enforced a 2035 ban on new ICE cars, it still requires automakers to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90% compared to 2021 levels. This presents a significant challenge for both Porsche and Audi.

Motor1’s Take

Since abandoning its 2030 target, Porsche has made strategic moves that appear to be working. Partnering with Audi allows for faster development and cost savings through economies of scale. With sales declining by 10% in 2025 after a 3% drop the previous year, new models are essential for the brand.

The ICE Macan replacement is particularly important in terms of volume. The first-generation model will be retired by mid-2025, but its successor is not expected until 2028. The new Cayenne and flagship SUV are also anticipated before the end of the decade.

While the return of gas-fueled sports cars may not significantly impact sales, it should help restore Porsche’s image after the discontinuation of ICE-powered 718 models in 2024. The Macan, Boxster, and Cayman were discontinued in Europe due to failure to meet new cybersecurity regulations.