Porsche has set out a sweeping new strategy to reverse a slump in revenue and profit, with plans for a combustion-powered mid-engined "super sports car," an additional large SUV, a petrol-powered Macan sibling, and a greater push into high-end, limited-run models.

The plan, named Sportwagenschmiede 35 — combining the German words for sports car and forge — was announced by chief executive Michael Leiters, who took the helm last year after arriving from McLaren. Leiters said the strategy would "lay the groundwork to make Porsche significantly more efficient, productive and profitable," with the broader aim of cementing the brand as the "home of sports cars."

Central to the plan is a rebalanced powertrain approach, with Porsche targeting roughly a 2:1 split between combustion and electric models going forward. The company will trim its overall variant count by around 20% while growing what it calls high-margin "D/E segment" vehicles — medium and large sports cars and SUVs — which it wants to make up about 45% of its range.

Among the new products is a mid-engined super sports car positioned above the 911, which Leiters confirmed would be combustion-only. He said Porsche is "developing a super sports car platform" independently of mid-engined models from sister brands Lamborghini or Lamborghini-adjacent group companies, though some component sharing is possible.

Porsche also confirmed a new combustion-engined SUV to sit alongside the electric Macan, due in 2028 with petrol and hybrid options, built on Volkswagen Group's PPC platform and related to the Audi Q5. The next 718 Boxster and Cayman, also arriving in 2028, will now be electric-only, abandoning earlier plans to allow combustion versions. A separate, larger combustion SUV positioned above the Cayenne is also planned, aimed chiefly at the US market.

Leiters reiterated that the 911 "will never be electric," while confirming new high-end 911 derivatives are in development. Porsche wants to raise average prices of its top variants by about 20% through added value rather than straightforward price hikes, while boosting volumes of each derivative by around 30%. This includes expanding Heritage, Manufaktur, Sonderwunsch and Manthey-branded special editions — Porsche noted its priciest bespoke Sonderwunsch build sold for over €13 million (£11 million).

Operationally, Porsche aims to cut development costs by up to 20%, personnel costs by about 30%, and management roles by 40%, alongside a broader 30% workforce reduction affecting Zuffenhausen and Leipzig. The firm will also restructure from five sales regions to four and will not chase renewed growth in China, instead targeting roughly equal shares across the Americas, Europe, and other markets.

Source: Autocar

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