Porsche Plans New Supercar, More Bespoke Models

Porsche has a new roadmap for its future. Car and Driver reports that CEO Michael Leiters, appointed in January, has announced a strategy called Sportwagenschmiede '35, designed to restore the brand's profitability after a difficult 2025.

Porsche's profits fell from $5.9 billion in 2024 to just $101 million last year, according to the company. The automaker invested heavily in electric vehicles only to find the market wasn't ready to fully transition from internal combustion, and reversing that strategy proved costly. Increasing competition in China and new U.S. tariffs added to the challenges.

Leiters' plan targets a new mid-engined super-sports-car architecture, set to be previewed by a concept called Mission S debuting October 15. Car and Driver says details are sparse, but the architecture would allow for a model line positioned above the 911.

First, Porsche must fill two gaps in its lineup: the discontinued gas-powered Macan and the 718 Boxster and Cayman. An electric successor to the 718 two-seaters will arrive in 2027, and Leiters confirmed the 718 will be electric only. U.S. sales for the 718 EV are expected to start in late 2026.

In 2028, Porsche will release a new compact SUV with internal-combustion engines. Car and Driver reports Leiters consistently referred to it as a Macan, and it will be offered alongside the current all-electric Macan. It's being developed with Audi and will offer both pure-gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Porsche is also exploring a larger SUV positioned above the Cayenne, code-named K1, with gas and plug-in hybrid options. The company is taking a multi-pronged powertrain approach, aiming for two gas/hybrid models for every electric model in its lineup. Leiters insisted the 911 will never be electric.

Throughout the presentation, Porsche executives repeated the mantra "value over volume." The company wants to lower its break-even point to below 200,000 units by selling each vehicle for more, with a goal of raising the average selling price of top-end models by 20 percent.

Much of this will come from high-performance GT cars and individualization programs like Exclusive Manufaktur and Sonderwunsch. The current 911 GT3 commands a 53 percent price premium over a 911 Carrera, while the GT3 S/C sits at 95 percent above. Car and Driver reports Porsche says GT products could eventually cost more than 200 percent higher than a base 911.

Porsche is also increasing its stake in Manthey Racing to 67 percent, leading to more collaboration on performance kits and limited-production vehicles. Sonderwunsch aims to increase sales sixfold, with 15 one-off projects currently underway ranging in price from $1.8 million to $15 million.

Porsche also plans to streamline operations: reducing model variants by around 20 percent, slashing management positions by 40 percent, and cutting the overall workforce by 25 percent over the mid-term. Development costs for future models could drop by up to 20 percent through increased use of simulations, modular approaches, and synergies within the Volkswagen Group.

• 718 EV
• Manthey Racing
• Michael Leiters
• Mission S
• Porsche
• Sonderwunsch