Taycan success spurs Porsche on EVs

Even faster than the Porsche Taycan's 0-to-60-mph time is the market appetite for the battery-powered sedan.

U.S. sales of the electric vehicle, which began in late 2019, have already lapped that of the brand's iconic 911 model. Porsche delivered 5,367 Taycans in the first half of this year, exceeding deliveries in all of 2020.

Given the Taycan's market success and demands for zero-emission vehicles in Europe and China, Porsche is looking to peel away from its tradition of flat-six engine power to move toward electric powertrains. The sports car maker will electrify its fleet over the next few years, adding more plug-in hybrids and full-electric variants.

This summer, the automaker introduced an all-wheel-drive hatchback version of the Taycan. The Macan crossover — Porsche's bestseller — will be next to receive the EV treatment, in 2023. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman also are expected to receive electric powertrains.

But Porsche isn't quite ready to give up on combustion engines. It will maintain a three- powertrain strategy at least through this decade, Porsche Cars North America COO Joe Lawrence said.

"We are continuing to develop incredible internal combustion engine vehicles," Lawrence said, pointing to updates to the 911 lineup. "At the same time, we are pursuing with abandon the move toward battery-electric, and in between, we have really impressive plug-in hybrids."

718 Boxster: The midengine sports car, currently in its fourth generation, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, Porsche issued the limited edition 2021 Boxster 25 Years. The special production model is limited to 1,250 units worldwide. It is based on the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 model and powered by a 394-hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine.

An electric version of the Boxster will be revealed in 2023 and could be based on a new electric architecture, although an on-sale date is unclear. The Boxster is also due for a redesign that year. All versions of the next-generation Boxster are expected to be electrified.

718 Cayman: The redesigned 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 arrived last year, powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine delivering 394 hp.

A track-focused variant of the Cayman GT4 is expected in the first half of 2022. The Cayman GT4 RS will be powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six that delivers about 500 hp, according to reports.

An electric version of the Cayman will be revealed in 2023 and is expected to be based on a new electric architecture, but Porsche hasn't confirmed it for sale. The 718 Cayman is due for a redesign in the second quarter of 2023.

911: In October, a redesigned 911 GT3 arrives. It will add the Touring Package early next year, and the next-generation 911 GTS will arrive then as well.

The 911 should receive a freshening in the second quarter of 2023 and possibly a plug-in hybrid variant. The hybrid is said to be inspired by the technology used in the 918 Spyder and 911 GT3 R hybrid race car.

Taycan: Since debuting in late 2019, the all-electric sedan nameplate has expanded to four variants. The lineup will grow again in the middle of next year with a variant that will slot just below the Taycan Turbo. The new GTS model should be powered by a 93.4-kilowatt- hour battery and have sporty styling and handling.

Porsche began deliveries of the Taycan Cross Turismo this summer. The awd hatchback can deliver up to 750 hp and sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds.

The Taycan should receive a minor freshening in spring 2023.

Panamera: Porsche freshened its four-door sedan with engine upgrades and a plug-in hybrid variant last fall.

The 2021 Panamera features a 2.9-liter twin-turbo engine that delivers 325 hp, replacing the 3.0-liter single-turbo engine. The sporty Panamera GTS variant is powered by a twin-turbo V-8 that delivers 473 hp — a 20-hp increase from the previous model.

Porsche is expected to extend the life cycle of the current generation of the Panamera.

Macan: The compact crossover, Porsche's bestselling U.S. model, will get an electric version as early as the second half of 2023. The electric Macan, to be built in Leipzig, Germany, will feature new styling and could carry different branding from its combustion engine counterpart.

The electric will be built on Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric, or PPE, architecture developed in collaboration with Audi. Like the Taycan, the electric Macan will use 800-volt technology. It will offer a longer driving range than the Taycan and will be available in multiple battery sizes globally, though those haven't been disclosed. Only the largest version is likely to be offered in the U.S.

A freshened gasoline-powered Macan should arrive in U.S. stores in the first half of 2022. Combustion engine Macan models will be offered alongside the all-electric version, based on market demand.

Cayenne: Porsche will introduce a track-focused, coupelike variant of the midsize crossover early next year. That model, the Cayenne Turbo GT, is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that delivers 631 hp.

The Cayenne should receive a freshening next year and a redesign around 2025. The Cayenne could be the fifth Porsche nameplate to receive an all-electric powertrain, as early as 2025.