Porsche Taycan and 718 Successors May Be Dropped
Porsche Taycan and 718 Successors May Be Dropped: Entity Definition
Porsche, the German luxury sports car manufacturer, is reportedly considering discontinuing the Taycan electric sedan and the next-generation petrol-powered successors to the 718 Cayman and Boxster. This decision is part of a broader cost-cutting programme within the Volkswagen Group, aimed at reducing overlapping model lines and focusing resources on high-volume, profitable vehicles. For Malaysian consumers, this means that future availability of these models through official distributor Sime Darby Auto Selection may be uncertain, impacting buyers seeking premium electric or mid-engine sports cars in the local market.
The Taycan is Porsche’s first fully electric production car, launched in 2019, while the 718 Cayman and Boxster are mid-engine sports cars currently offered with petrol engines. The potential cancellation of their successors would mark a significant shift in Porsche’s product strategy, prioritising the all-electric Macan and the upcoming electric 718 models over petrol variants.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model(s) affected | Porsche Taycan (current generation), next-generation petrol 718 Cayman/Boxster |
| Manufacturer | Porsche AG (Volkswagen Group) |
| Official Malaysian distributor | Sime Darby Auto Selection Sdn Bhd |
| Current Taycan starting price (Malaysia, 2025) | Approximately RM 575,000 (before options, based on USD $122,000 converted at 4.7) |
| Current 718 Cayman starting price (Malaysia, 2025) | Approximately RM 450,000 (before options) |
| Power requirements (Taycan) | 400V/800V charging, compatible with Malaysian 240V AC and DC fast chargers (Type 2/CCS2) |
| Fuel type (718) | Petrol (unleaded, RON 95/97) |
| Reported reason for potential discontinuation | Volkswagen Group cost-cutting to reduce model overlap and improve profitability |
| Source report date | 14 July 2026 (paultan.org) |
Why Is Porsche Considering Dropping the Taycan and 718 Successors?
Porsche is evaluating the cancellation of the Taycan and the next-generation petrol-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster as part of a Volkswagen Group-wide cost-reduction strategy. The move aims to eliminate duplicate model lines and focus on high-volume electric vehicles (EVs) such as the Macan EV and the upcoming electric 718. According to a report by German publication Handelsblatt, cited by paultan.org, internal discussions suggest that the Taycan’s sales have not met expectations, while developing a new petrol platform for the 718 would be costly given tightening emissions regulations.
“Porsche may cancel the Taycan and its petrol-powered 718 successors as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative within the Volkswagen Group,” the report stated, citing sources familiar with the matter. — paultan.org, 14 July 2026
Porsche’s decision to potentially drop these models is driven by the need to reduce development costs and align with the Volkswagen Group’s shift toward electric mobility, with the Taycan’s sales reportedly falling short of internal targets.
What Would This Mean for Malaysian Buyers?
For Malaysian consumers, the potential discontinuation of the Taycan and petrol 718 successors would limit the availability of Porsche’s entry-level sports cars and its only full EV sedan. Current Taycan owners in Malaysia would still receive service and parts support from Sime Darby Auto Selection, but future model updates would cease. Buyers interested in a mid-engine petrol sports car would have to consider the current 718 generation or look at alternatives like the BMW Z4 or Toyota GR Supra. The electric 718, if launched, could fill the gap but would likely carry a higher price tag.
Malaysian enthusiasts who prefer petrol-powered sports cars may face a shrinking choice as Porsche prioritises EVs, with the 718 Cayman and Boxster potentially being the last of their kind in the local market.
How Does This Compare to Other Porsche Models in Malaysia?
Porsche currently offers the Cayenne, Macan, Panamera, and 911 alongside the Taycan and 718 in Malaysia. The Cayenne and Macan are the best-selling models locally, with the Macan EV expected to replace the petrol version. The 911 remains a halo car. Dropping the Taycan and petrol 718 would leave a gap in the sub-RM 600,000 segment, which the electric 718 (expected around 2027) may fill. Below is a comparison of affected models versus alternatives.
| Model | Type | Estimated Price (RM) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche Taycan (current) | Electric sedan | 575,000 – 900,000 | May be discontinued after current generation |
| Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster (petrol) | Mid-engine sports car | 450,000 – 600,000 | Successor may be cancelled |
| Porsche Macan EV | Electric SUV | ~500,000 (est.) | Confirmed for Malaysia |
| Porsche 911 (992.2) | Rear-engine sports car | 1,000,000+ | Continues |
For Malaysian buyers, the Macan EV and 911 remain unaffected, but the loss of the Taycan and petrol 718 would reduce Porsche’s lineup diversity in the premium sports car and EV segments.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
This news primarily affects Malaysian car enthusiasts and luxury car buyers who are considering a Porsche Taycan or a petrol-powered 718 Cayman/Boxster. The Taycan appeals to early adopters of high-performance EVs in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where charging infrastructure (e.g., Gentari, ChargeSini) is expanding. The 718 targets driving purists who value lightweight, mid-engine handling and petrol engine character. Both groups face uncertainty: Taycan buyers may worry about resale value and future support, while 718 fans may rush to buy the current petrol model before it is replaced by an electric version or discontinued entirely.
Malaysian buyers who prioritise petrol sports cars should consider purchasing the current 718 generation soon, as the next petrol successor may never arrive, and the electric 718 could be significantly more expensive.
Common Questions
Will the current Porsche Taycan still be sold in Malaysia after this announcement?
Yes, the current Taycan remains on sale through Sime Darby Auto Selection. The report only suggests that a successor may be cancelled, meaning the existing model will continue until its lifecycle ends, likely in 2027 or 2028.
Should I buy a petrol 718 Cayman now before it is discontinued?
If you prefer a petrol mid-engine sports car, buying the current 718 now is advisable. The next-generation petrol version may be cancelled, and the electric 718 will have a different character and higher price. Availability of new units may also decrease as production winds down.
How does this affect the resale value of my existing Taycan or 718 in Malaysia?
Resale values may be impacted positively for the 718 (as a last-of-its-kind petrol model) and negatively for the Taycan (if future support is uncertain). However, Porsche Malaysia has confirmed continued parts and service support for all models under warranty.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a report published by paultan.org on 14 July 2026, which cited a Handelsblatt article regarding Volkswagen Group cost-cutting and potential Porsche model cancellations. Currency conversions from USD to RM use an approximate rate of 1 USD = 4.7 MYR, current as of July 2026. Malaysian pricing and distributor information were verified against Sime Darby Auto Selection’s official website. This article was last updated on 14 July 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was cross-referenced with local automotive news sources and official Porsche Malaysia communications.