teffy and Finn Reunite Amid Chaos
Elsewhere, John “Finn” Finnegan finally gets the reunion he’s been waiting for. Steffy Forrester returns home with Kelly and Hayes, ready to rebuild her family’s peace. Their joy, however, won’t last long once Finn reveals everything that’s happened.
Steffy is stunned to learn Luna is alive—and even more shocked about her pregnancy with Will. She’s furious that Finn kept her in the dark for so long. The emotional weight of Luna’s crimes and her connection to the Spencer family leaves Steffy shaken to her core.
While relieved that Luna is back behind bars, Steffy can’t help but feel betrayed by the secrets kept from her. The news leaves her questioning who she can truly trust. For now, she’s determined to protect her family from any further chaos Luna might cause.
The Sunset of a Legend: Porsche 718’s Gas Farewell & The Electrifying Road Ahead (2025 Market Insights)
From my vantage point, having navigated the intricate landscape of the automotive industry for over a decade, I’ve witnessed shifts that redefine entire segments. Yet, few announcements carry the poignant weight and profound implications of the one Porsche made regarding its beloved 718 twins. As we hurtle through 2025, the automotive world is abuzz with the impending final curtain call for the gas-powered Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman. This isn’t just an end of production; it’s a pivotal moment, signaling Porsche’s unwavering commitment to an electric future while navigating the complex realities of market demand and purist sentiment.
The news, now firmly cemented in the calendars of enthusiasts and collectors alike, confirms that by October 2025, the last of the internal combustion engine (ICE) 718s will roll off the assembly lines. For many, including myself, who’ve cherished the mid-engine balance, the visceral exhaust note, and the pure, unadulterated driving experience these cars deliver, it feels like the end of an era. But as one chapter closes, another, equally compelling, is already being written – one powered by electrons, not hydrocarbons.
The Swan Song: Bidding Adieu to the Gas-Powered 718
Let’s not mince words: the 718 Boxster and Cayman have, for years, represented the quintessential entry point into Porsche’s performance pantheon. They’re often lauded as the “driver’s Porsche,” a perfectly balanced machine that offers unparalleled feedback and agility. The 982-generation, which we’ve enjoyed for nearly a decade, perfected this formula. Its spirited engines, whether the turbocharged flat-four or the glorious naturally aspirated flat-six in GT-spec variants, coupled with a chassis that communicates every nuance of the road, created a driving symphony.
The journey to this point has been fascinating to observe. While European markets began their farewells last year due to increasingly stringent cybersecurity regulations – a subtle but significant factor often overlooked in the broader electrification narrative – the rest of the world, particularly the crucial North American market, will experience this transition by year-end. Porsche North America’s confirmation underscores the global scope of this strategic pivot. Production lines in Zuffenhausen and Osnabrück, which have faithfully brought these accessible mid-engine marvels to life (sharing lines even with the VW T-Roc Convertible, a testament to platform efficiency), are preparing for a profound change.
Interestingly, 2024 saw a surprising surge in demand for the 718, a testament to the “last call” phenomenon. Sales spiked by 15%, moving 23,670 units globally. It was a brief moment of euphoria, a clear signal that enthusiasts were keen to snap up these modern classics before they vanished. However, as the plug-pulling accelerated across various markets, Q1 2025 sales inevitably dipped by 22%. This fluctuation highlights the emotional and market-driven response to such a significant discontinuation.
Yet, some icons managed to skirt the initial regulatory hurdles, carving out an irreplaceable space in buyers’ hearts and likely securing their status as future classic cars. I’m speaking, of course, of the limited-run legends like the 718 Boxster Spyder RS and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. These exceptional machines, equipped with the glorious naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine, transcended mere transportation, becoming immediate collector’s items and cementing their status as some of the finest internal combustion-powered sports cars ever produced. Their sustained desirability provides a fascinating glimpse into the car collector market and the Porsche investment value of such specific, high-performance variants. For astute collectors, these are not just cars; they are tangible assets with significant appreciating potential.
The Electric Dawn: What to Expect from the Next-Gen 718 EV
So, what replaces a legend? Porsche is not rushing its next move, and that’s a good thing. The electric successors to the 718 nameplate are under meticulous development, and what we know (and what my industry sources whisper) suggests a truly groundbreaking vehicle. This isn’t just an electric car; it’s an electric Porsche, meaning the driving experience, dynamics, and emotional connection must remain paramount. This is a critical challenge, and for Porsche, it’s about maintaining their core DNA in an entirely new form factor.
The next-generation electric 718 Boxster and Cayman are expected to be built on a dedicated electric platform, likely the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, co-developed with Audi. This platform is designed from the ground up for high-performance EVs, allowing for optimal battery packaging and weight distribution. Early concepts like the Mission R have given us tantalizing clues about the design language and technological prowess to expect: sharp lines, aggressive aerodynamics, and an interior focused on the driver.
The biggest hurdle for any luxury electric sports car is translating the visceral engagement of an ICE into an electric powertrain. How do you replicate the precise throttle response, the linear power delivery, the glorious engine note, and the delicate balance of a mid-engine layout when you have instant torque and a heavy battery pack? Porsche’s engineers are undoubtedly burning the midnight oil on this. We anticipate advanced torque vectoring, sophisticated suspension systems, and potentially even artificial sound generation that goes beyond mere gimmickry, aiming to enhance rather than detract from the driving experience. The goal is to deliver an EV performance that not only matches but, in many aspects, surpasses its gas-powered predecessors. Imagine sub-3.5 second 0-60 mph times and cornering capabilities enhanced by precise electric motor control.
From an automotive electrification standpoint, the electric 718 will be a bellwether. It will demonstrate how effectively Porsche can electrify its pure sports cars without diluting the brand’s essence. Success here will send a powerful message to the high-performance EV market and set a new benchmark for electric sports car technology. The long-term implications for sustainable luxury driving are profound, offering a high-performance alternative that aligns with evolving environmental consciousness.
Porsche’s Evolving Electrification Strategy: A Cautious Path Forward
Beyond the 718, Porsche’s broader approach to electrification has seen a pragmatic adjustment, a testament to the dynamic nature of the automotive market in 2025. Not long ago, the ambitious target was 80% EV sales by 2030. That goal has been walked back slightly, replaced by a more nuanced strategy that recognizes the varied global market conditions and technological readiness.
This recalibration is smart. It acknowledges that the transition to EVs isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it a straight line. Factors like charging infrastructure availability, raw material costs, consumer acceptance (especially in less developed markets), and the sheer profitability challenges of developing new EV platforms play a significant role. My experience tells me that real-world deployment often lags behind aspirational targets, and adapting to these realities is a mark of strong leadership.
What this means is that ICE power will continue to thrive in other key models, extending their run well into the 2030s. The Cayenne and Panamera, vital to Porsche’s bottom line, will retain their combustion engines, likely with significant hybridization. Even the iconic twin-turbo V8 is being diligently tweaked for Euro 7 compliance, demonstrating Porsche’s commitment to extending the life of its most powerful ICE units where feasible.
And then there’s the 911. The beating heart of Porsche, the 911, will remain predominantly ICE-powered for the foreseeable future, albeit with hybrid assistance. Porsche understands the sacred position the 911 holds; its unique flat-six engine and rear-engine architecture are foundational to its identity. This strategy maintains balance, allowing Porsche to push the boundaries of electrification with the 718 and Macan EV, while retaining its traditional core with the 911 and other models. This dual-track approach is key to navigating the complex future of sports cars and ensuring brand loyalty amidst profound change.
A crucial part of this nuanced strategy also involves eFuels. Porsche is heavily investing in synthetic fuels, which could offer a carbon-neutral way to power existing ICE vehicles, extending the life of classic cars and potentially future models in niche markets. This isn’t just a nostalgic endeavor; it’s a strategic move to offer alternatives and cater to those who aren’t ready to fully embrace an electric future, or for regions where EV infrastructure is still developing. It’s a pragmatic solution that reflects a truly experienced automaker’s understanding of its diverse customer base.
The Broader Automotive Landscape: 2025 and Beyond
Porsche’s move with the 718 isn’t happening in a vacuum. It reflects a broader trend within the luxury performance vehicles segment. Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Aston Martin are all grappling with similar transitions, each carving their own path to electrification, often with hybridization as a bridge. We’re seeing a fascinating race to define what a premium electric vehicle means in a high-performance context.
Consumer sentiment in 2025 is a mixed bag. While early adopters have embraced EVs, a significant portion of the market, particularly in the sports car segment, remains cautious. Concerns about range anxiety, charging times, the environmental impact of battery production, and the sheer joy of a combustion engine are still prevalent. This is where Porsche’s careful execution of the electric 718 becomes paramount. It needs to be so compelling, so unmistakably Porsche, that it overcomes these hesitations.
From an automotive investment perspective, the discontinuation of gas-powered 718s creates an interesting dynamic. Will the final ICE models see a rapid appreciation, similar to the limited GT cars? My take is that while the GT4 RS and Spyder RS are already soaring, the standard Boxster and Cayman will likely see a more gradual climb. However, as the world moves further into electrification, the rarity of a pure, mid-engine ICE sports car will undoubtedly increase its appeal to collectors seeking a tangible connection to a bygone era of driving. Conversely, the initial luxury car depreciation of new EVs is something to watch, as technology rapidly evolves and subsequent generations offer improvements. Porsche’s reputation for holding value will be tested here.
Expert Insights and Future Predictions
For the purists, the farewell to the gas-powered 718 is undeniably bittersweet. The emotional connection to the roar of an engine and the mechanical symphony of a gear shift is hard to replace. However, I predict that once enthusiasts experience the incredible torque, the silent rush, and the potentially even sharper dynamics of the electric 718, many will be converted. Porsche has never been about just “more power”; it’s about usable power, exquisite balance, and driver engagement. If any brand can make an electric sports car feel genuinely Porsche, it’s Porsche.
The balance between tradition and innovation is where Porsche has always excelled. The 911 adapted to water cooling, then to turbocharging (for standard models), and will soon embrace hybridization. Each transition was met with initial skepticism, followed by widespread acclaim. The electric 718 represents the next frontier, a bold step that, if executed with Porsche’s customary engineering brilliance, will secure its relevance for decades to come.
My long-term outlook for Porsche is one of continued strength and strategic evolution. By diversifying its powertrain offerings, embracing eFuels, and carefully calibrating its EV rollout, Porsche is positioning itself to thrive in a highly dynamic global market. The 718’s transition is a microcosm of this larger strategy – a thoughtful blend of heritage, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering focus on the driving experience.
As we witness the final production runs of the gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman this year, it’s not merely an ending. It’s an opportunity to reflect on a remarkable chapter in automotive history and to anticipate, with genuine excitement, the electrifying future that Porsche is so meticulously crafting. The legacy of the 718 will endure, not just in the garage queens and cherished memories, but in the thrilling performance and refined engineering of its electric successor.
The road ahead is undoubtedly electric, but the spirit of Porsche, one of relentless innovation and driver-centric design, remains firmly at the wheel.
What are your thoughts on Porsche’s bold leap into the electric future for the 718? Are you ready to embrace the silent thrill of an electric Boxster or Cayman, or will you be holding onto the last of the gas-powered legends? Share your insights and join the conversation in the comments below!