Porsche’s New Direction: A Potential Supercar and Fewer Gas-Powered 718s
Porsche’s strategy for the future, labeled “Sportwagenschmiede 35,” includes a significant shift toward higher-priced models and a potential halo supercar. The automaker aims to strengthen its financial position by focusing on a “Value over Volume” approach. This plan centers on the 911 lineup and the expansion of exclusive customization options, while phasing out certain gas-powered variants.
Developing the Mission S Halo Car
A successor to the 918 Spyder is under development. Porsche announced it is working on a mid-engined super sports car platform that will enable a model line above the 911. The company describes this as a “potential” addition, but CEO Michael Leiters was more direct, stating the platform is intended for a new mid-engined car that will sit clearly above the 911.
The design will be shown on October 15 with the Mission S concept car. The teaser video released so far is mostly music, showing only the Porsche crest and blurred taillights. The car’s specific shape and engine details remain unknown until the concept is revealed.
Without a direct successor to the 918 Spyder, the 911 will likely remain the brand’s flagship for the foreseeable future. If the Mission S becomes reality, it would mark a fundamental shift in Porsche’s architecture, moving from the traditional rear-engine layout to mid-engine design.
Ending the 718 ICE Lineup
It appears the return of high-performance gas-powered 718 models will not happen. Just over a year ago, Porsche hinted that “top ICE derivatives” might return to the lineup. However, the company confirmed to Motor1 that these models were never fully confirmed. Matthias Rauter, Porsche’s head of corporate communications, clarified that the plan to bring back gas 718s was not set in stone.
The 718 lineup is now moving entirely toward electric models. Production of the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman begins in 2028. This leaves the 718 as the brand’s entry-level option, with the 911 serving as the accessible sports car and the new mid-engine model serving as the ultimate halo vehicle.
Expanding the exclusive 911 derivatives and the electric 718 lineup creates a clear pricing gap. This strategy suggests the company is prioritizing profit margins on high-value vehicles rather than maintaining a broad range of affordable sports cars.
High-End 911s and SUVs
Porsche intends to strengthen its 911 lineup with “highly emotive” derivatives. This likely means more vehicles like the GT3 S/C or Sport Classic, which are already expensive. The company plans to increase the average selling price of its top-of-the-range models by about 20 percent in the medium term.
Porsche is also expanding its collaboration with the Manthey racing team, increasing its stake to 67 percent. The partnership will focus on performance kits, exclusive track experiences, and “few-off” projects. The Manthey kit for the Taycan shows the specialists are working on models beyond the 911.
A new smaller gas-powered SUV is expected to arrive in 2028. It will be sold alongside the current Macan Electric. Porsche believes this vehicle will start to contribute to sales and profitability by 2029. Additionally, the company is exploring a three-row SUV positioned above the Cayenne. This larger vehicle would use the PPE and PPC platforms currently used for the Audi Q5 and Q9.
Porsche is also prioritizing its Sonderwunsch personalization program. The goal is to increase sales of these custom orders sixfold in the medium term. Expanding the program will increase option revenue per vehicle and leverage the Exclusive Manufaktur team’s work on Heritage Design vehicles.
Porsche’s SUV Plans and Profit Strategy
Porsche expects a new gas-powered SUV in 2028. This model will join the Macan Electric in the lineup. The company plans to increase its stake in Manthey to 67 percent.
Expanding the Manthey Partnership
The collaboration will focus on performance kits for production cars. It will also provide exclusive track experiences. The partnership will create “few-off” projects for clients. These projects will likely extend beyond the 911. The Manthey team has already developed a performance kit for the Taycan electric sedan.
Future SUVs and Platforms
A smaller gas-powered SUV is set to arrive in 2028. It will launch alongside the current Macan Electric. The company is also exploring a three-row SUV. This larger vehicle would sit above the Cayenne. It would mark the first time Porsche offers a model with three rows of seats.
Prioritizing Customization
The Sonderwunsch personalization program is a key profit driver. This program increases option revenue per vehicle. The Exclusive Manufaktur team will play a role in this expansion. The team produces Heritage Design vehicles. Examples include the 911 Spirit 70 and the Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition.
