As we turn the page on another year, and as electrification continues to reshape the automotive landscape, we take pause to celebrate a rare and increasingly special breed of machinery – true drivers’ cars. These are the automobiles that remain purely gasoline-powered, send their power exclusively through their rear-wheels, and still offer the joy and tactile involvement of a manual transmission.

Among them, the Porsche 718 Cayman & Boxster stand out, particularly as they are soon slated to transition to a new generation. For the 2026, base 718 models feature a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder motor and, weighing as little as 1,375kg, is among the lightest manual transmission, rear-wheel drive vehicles currently offered for sale by GAIN Group. Step up to the 718 GTS and you are rewarded with a naturally-aspirated 4.0L six-cylinder motor that sings to a stratospheric 7,800rpm – this motor is also closely related to the powerplant of the vaunted 911 GT3.

What truly sets the 718 apart is its rear mid-engine layout, delivering near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a balance that feels immediately at-home on a circuit. While several other rear-wheel drive options remain available – such as the BMW M2 and Z4, Lotus Emira, and Subaru BRZ – the 718’s chassis philosophy places it firmly in drivers’ car territory.

Initial reports & announcements confirmed the next generation of 718 Cayman & Boxster would be all-electric, with potential for higher-end or limited run models to feature gas-powered engines. This new generation is still under development, though there have been some whisperings that all models across the 718 range could be engineered to be powered by both electric & gas powertrains – potentially with hybrid systems for the latter. Stay tuned for more concrete details!

Visit Porsche Centre Victoria or Porsche Approved & Service Centre Nanaimo to learn more about Porsche’s current and future lineup.