# Porsche strategic shift in powertrain and workforce > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/porsche-strategic-shift-in-powertrain-and-workforce > Updated: 2026-10-19T04:30:56.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 7. Porsche CEO Michael Leiters has announced a strategic shift to offer a dual lineup of internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EV). A central part of this plan is the reintroduction of a gasoline-powered Macan in 2028, which will be sold alongside existing electric versions to address slowing EV market growth and meet diverse customer needs. This pivot follows significant business challenges, including a 40% year-on-year decline in electric Macan sales during the first half of the year and a 32% drop in deliveries in China. To stabilize the company, Porsche is undergoing restructuring that includes closing divisions related to software, batteries, and electric bikes, as well as a plan to reduce the workforce by approximately 9,000 employees by 2035. Additionally, the company recently generated approximately 1 billion euros by selling stakes in the Rimac Group and Bugatti Rimac to improve liquidity. While the company continues electric development for models like the 718, Leiters confirmed that the 911 will not transition to an all-electric platform, opting instead for hybrid technologies. Regarding the 718 lineup, Porsche has clarified that the Boxster and Cayman will not return with internal combustion engines. Under the ‘Sportwagenschmiede ’35’ strategy, the next generation of 718 models will be exclusively electric. Furthering this strategy, Porsche has unveiled the Mission S, a mid-engine supercar concept designed to sit above the 911. CEO Michael Leiters confirmed the Mission S platform will not include a fully electric (BEV) version due to a lack of market demand in the high-end supercar segment. Instead, the platform will offer flexibility to support internal combustion engines, conventional hybrids, and plug-in hybrids to cater to enthusiasts who prioritize engine character and sound. ## Claims - Porsche is developing a new mid-engine supercar positioned above the 911. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new mid-engine supercar will not have a fully electric version. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new platform will support internal combustion engines, conventional hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The 718 Boxster and Cayman models will transition to electric powertrains. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new 718 electric battery uses three modules on two levels. (single source) - The new 718 battery design results in 55.2 percent of vehicle weight on the rear axle. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Porsche unveils Mission S mid-engine supercar concept Porsche unveiled the Mission S concept, a mid-engined supercar platform. Due to lack of segment demand, the new line will focus on hybrid and combustion engines rather than fully electric powertrains. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porsche-to-skip-electric-version-for-upcoming-mid-engine-supercar ### 2026-10-17: Porsche tests new internal combustion Macan prototype at Nürburgring A prototype for a new internal combustion engine Porsche Macan, known as Project Octan, has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porsche-tests-new-internal-combustion-macan-prototype-at-nrburgring ### 2026-10-14: Porsche to reintroduce combustion Macan models by 2028 Porsche plans to reintroduce combustion engine and plug-in hybrid Macan variants by 2028, using Audi Q5 test mules to develop the new models on the Volkswagen Group's combustion platform. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porsche-tests-new-internal-combustion-macan-prototype ### 2026-10-11: Porsche confirms all future 718 Boxster and Cayman models will be electric Porsche confirms the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman will be purely electric, with production expected to begin in 2028 and features including simulated gear shifts and artificial engine sounds. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porsche-confirms-all-future-718-boxster-and-cayman-models-will-be-electric ### 2026-10-06: Porsche confirms Boxster and Cayman will not return with gas engines Porsche confirms that the upcoming 718 Boxster and Cayman models will be strictly electric, ending speculation regarding a return of internal combustion engine variants. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porsche-confirms-boxster-and-cayman-will-not-return-with-gas-engines ### 2026-10-05: Porsche to reintroduce gasoline Macan alongside electric models Porsche CEO Michael Leiters announced a dual strategy of gasoline and electric models, including the return of a combustion Macan in 2028, following declining sales and market shifts. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porsche-to-reintroduce-gasoline-macan-alongside-electric-models ### 2026-10-03: Porsche to reintroduce gasoline-powered Macan in 2028 Porsche CEO Michael Leiters announced a strategic shift to reintroduce gasoline-powered Macan models in 2028, pursuing a balanced approach between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porsche-to-reintroduce-gasoline-powered-macan-in-2028 --- Cite as: Porsche strategic shift in powertrain and workforce. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/porsche-strategic-shift-in-powertrain-and-workforce