The next-generation all-electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman could form the basis for a plethora of sports cars across the Volkswagen Group's vast array of brands.
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A source has told Autocar the Volkswagen Group is considering using the new Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman platform for revivals of the Audi TT and Volkswagen Scirocco, as well as a flagship Cupra model based on the DarkRebel concept.
Currently the German automaker is considering developing coupe and convertible versions of the Audi TT, as well as Volkswagen Scirocco and Cupra DarkRebel three-door hatchbacks.
Both the Volkswagen and Cupra would ride on longer wheelbases, liberating more interior space for back-seat passengers.
So far the only vehicles approved for production are the Porsche 718 Boxster convertible and 718 Cayman coupe. Should the Scirocco and other vehicles be given the green light, they probably won't be available until 2028.
It's believed initial investigations into the TT and Scirocco revivals began not long after when Oliver Blume – formerly Porsche's boss – took over as Volkswagen Group CEO in September 2022, with the new CEO keep to maximise component and production sharing to improve economies of scale among the company's constellation of brands.
After Andreas Mindt left Bentley to become the Volkswagen brand's chief designer at the beginning of 2023, his team came up with design proposals for the Scirocco which drew heavy inspiration from the original car, which was launched in 1974 and styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Porsche is currently hard at work on a new electric sports car architecture, which is believed to be based on a modified version of the Platform Premium Electric (PPE) that's being developed in conjunction with Audi.
PPE underpins the recently revealed second-generation Porsche Macan, and as its soon-to-be revealed sibling the Audi Q6 e-tron. The architecture will also be found underneath the upcoming Audi A6 e-tron sedan and wagon.
In order to make the PPE setup more suitable for electric sports cars, the next-generation Boxster/Cayman will have its battery pack located along a centre tunnel and behind the passenger cabin.
Not only does this mimic the mid-engine layout of the current petrol-powered cars, but means the cars will have a lower floor height, door sills and seating position compared to regular electric cars while retaining a traditional sports car profile.
The British magazine claims the new Boxster/Cayman platform can be stretched to accommodate different wheelbases and track widths, and will support both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive drivetrains.
MORE: Everything Porsche 718 MORE: Everything Audi TT
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
