Porsche has a chance to make electric cars fun. Will it seize the moment or just follow the trend with its new electric Porsche 718 model?
The design of the legendary Porsche 718 is moving towards an electric future. And while some people turn up their noses at this, others (including us) see it as an opportunity to Porsche shows that it can make an electric sports car that will delight the heart and not just Excel graphs. We expect an electric Porsche 718.
Why so much noise around the new 718?
The new Porsche 718 will – for the first time in history – fully electric. And that marks a major breakthrough for one of the last true driver's cars. The 718 has always been known for excellent steering feel, exceptional balance and a manual transmission that rewarded you with every correct second gear engagement.
So now it's all going to be electric. No engine noise, no shifting, no typical boxer "grunt" behind you.
But the question is no longer: Would you rather have a motorbike?
The real question is: Will Porsche be able to create an electric sports coupe that will get you hooked – just like the 718 GTS once did?
Porsche has everything it needs. But does it have the guts?
Let's face the truth: electric sports cars can be brutally fun. Let's take a look at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – that car is proof that even an EV can get the adrenaline pumping and bring a smile to your face. Porsche is with Taycan has already proven that it can make an electric car that not only drives straight, but also turns perfectly.
Now he has the opportunity to get the best out of the Taycan, pack it all into a compact and sports body and show the world that electricity can also be sporty German.
What does an electric 718 need to have to be successful?
First: soul. Yes, even an EV can have character – if it’s set up correctly. The brakes, the steering, the feel – it all has to be surgically precise, as we’re used to at Porsche.
Then: a price that makes senseIf the new 718 costing more than €90,000, will enter the 911 zone. And then any calculating driver (or leasing consultant) will say: “Why not just go for the 911?”
And last but not least: specialtyIf the 718 is just another EV with a 3.5-second 0-60 mph time, it will soon be forgotten. But if it offers that real “sports feel” – the feeling of being connected to the car, of being part of the ride – then it may well be electric 718 even better than the original.
MG Cyberster, Tesla Roadster, Lotus Emeya: the competition does not sleep
The EV world is no longer without competition. The MG Cyberster offers a roadster shape and an attractive price. The Tesla Roadster – when/if it ever comes – will promise incredible performance. Lotus is already advertising its electric fleet. And then there are the Chinese…
Porsche therefore does not have the luxury of making “another Taycan in a smaller package.” The 718 must be best driver electric car, not just the most expensive.
Desired technical specifications for: Porsche 718 EV / 2026
| Specification | Required value or target value |
|---|---|
| Drive | Two-wheel or four-wheel drive (RWD or AWD) |
| Electric motor | At least 400 kW (≈544 hp) |
| 0–100 km/h | < 3.0 seconds |
| Top speed | ≥ 250 km/h |
| Battery pack | 800-volt architecture, ≥ 80 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | ≥ 500 km |
| Charging (DC) | ≥ 270 kW (10–80 % in ~18 minutes) |
| Platform | PPE (like the Macan EV) or your own sports |
| Weight | < 1,850 kg (ambitious, but possible) |
| Mass distribution | 50:50 (mid-drive simulation) |
| Sound / Gears | Optional: synthetic sound, artificial gear shifting experience (for enthusiasts) |
| Chassis | Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), optionally with air suspension |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic (optional), 6-piston front |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Sport EV, 20″ front, 21″ rear |
| Price (basic) | ~€85,000 (projection based on Taycan and Macan EV) |
| Production / launch | Expected 2027 |
Conclusion: let's not criticize, but demand the best
The fact that the 718 is going electric is not a tragedy. It is opportunity. An opportunity for Porsche to redefine what driving pleasure means in the electric age. If they could once create an icon from scratch with the 356, today they can create a future legend with electricity.
But if they settle for a safe, digital design without character, then this car will be just another number on the list. We'll be looking at a used 2016 Boxster.
Porsche, the ball is in your court.
