Porsche and other automakers plan to balance gasoline and electric power in coming years
For companies that only make electric vehicles, the game plan is obvious. But for mainstream automakers adding EVs to their lineups, the timeline and overall big picture is in a state of flux these days.
Right now, Porsche is preparing its third full-battery model, pressing forward and singing the praises of the upcoming Cayenne Electric.
"When you see electricity as a weakness, then it doesn't work. We see that as a strength," said Porsche product manager Markus Meyer.
As EV models go, it's immediately impressive on paper, promising legendary Porsche performance when it arrives in showrooms later this year. That's especially true for the top version, the Cayenne Turbo Electric, with a four-figure horsepower number!
"The strongest Porsche street car we ever made. We have 1153 horsepower," noted Meyer.
But lots of Porsche fans aren't ready to make the switch, and the company knows that. So as happened with the smaller Macan Electric, gasoline Cayennes will continue as well. And for those who want a bridge to gas-free driving, the plug-in hybrid version of the Cayenne continues as a compromise. Electric power when you do local driving, but gasoline for peace of mind on long trips.
It's definitely a balancing act these days, as the widespread rush to battery power from a few years ago has slowed significantly.
If anyone's had to pivot amid this changing landscape, it's the Ram truck brand. By now, they were supposed to have a fully-electric pickup in showrooms. After several delays, it's been canceled altogether. On another front, in 2025 they dropped the Hemi V8 from the 1500 model, offering a high-tech turbo six cylinder engine instead.
After some outcry from buyers, for 2026 the Hemi is back, as is the V8 rumble. Late last summer, orders poured in as soon as the Hemi became available again.
Speaking of V8 rumble, the Ford Mustang is still making it, with its two American V8 muscle car competitors, the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger, having fallen by the wayside. Will Ford stick to its guns, and its history? Well, company CEO Jim Farley has chimed in, loud and clear.
"And if we're the only one on the planet making a V8 affordable sports car for everyone in the world, so be it," said Farley in 2024. He notes that by offering the electric Mustang Mach-E to balance things out from a regulatory standpoint, the V8 Mustang GT and Dark Horse can live on with their V8s.
So if you want a gasoline car, even one with a V8, no need to hurry. They don't seem to be going away anytime soon. But if you're already on board with electrics, or still might want to try one, you're in luck too. Plenty of those coming, though perhaps fewer in numbers than was earlier projected.
