Driving into the future by honoring the past.
The 1950s and 1960s saw Porsche quickly making a name for itself on the racing circuits around the world. Cars such as the Porsche 718 and its flat-four cylinder engine took home many trophies including those from the Targa Florio and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now that same spirit is driving the newest-generation of Porsche Boxster models and it’s better than ever.
After rumors of the model line picking up the ‘718’ nameplate, the automaker has officially unveiled the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S models. The drop-top sports cars feature a new pair of turbocharged flat-four cylinder engines along with revised mechanicals and a sharpened design.
Not since the 1960s has Porsche used a flat-four cylinder engine in its sports cars, but the new 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S welcome them with open arms. Both engines are turbocharged, smaller, more efficient, and more powerful.
In the Porsche 718 Boxster, a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four sits right behind the driver and produces 300 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 280 lb-ft. of torque from 1,950 to 4,500 RPM. In the 718 Boxster S, a 2.5-liter flat-four is used fed by a turbocharger featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG), making Porsche the only manufacturer to offer VTG in production gasoline-engined cars. The new 718 Boxster S produces 350 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 309 lb-ft. of torque at 1,900 to 4,500 RPM. The added power compared to the previous-generation flat-six engined models also comes with a fuel economy improvement up to 13-percent.
Both engines are paired up with a standard six-speed manual gearbox for the purist drivers out there, while the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox with fuel-sipping virtual gears is available as an option. Armed with the manual transmission, the 718 Boxster can reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds or make the sprint as quick as 4.5 seconds with the PDK and Sport Chrono package. The more powerful 718 Boxster S can do the same feats in 4.4 seconds with the manual and up to 4.0 seconds with the PDK and Sport Chrono. Top speed is limited to 170- and 177 mph for each model, respectively.
Athleticism was also an area that Porsche improved on with the new 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S models. The chassis was retuned entirely and the electromechanical steering was altered to be 10-percent more direct. The optional PASM reduces ride height by 10 mm, while a 20 mm lowering is also available as an additional upgrade. The PASM system was modified to give a greater range of comfort and sporty ride quality for easier everyday driving. The optional Sport Chrono Package is also available and now includes a Sport Response Button in PDK-equipped models that allows drivers to individually tailor the responsiveness and feel of the drivetrain.
Visually, the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S is sleek, sharp, and modern. The sculpted and wide front fascia features larger cooling air intakes with LED strips sitting above along with the newly-designed bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. Four-point LED headlights are also available. Sculpted lines run into the larger side air inlets with two-fin design, while the doors have kicked the handle recess covers for more seamless look. Width is emphasized at the rear thanks to a new accent strip that connects the two three-dimensional LED taillights with four-point brake lights. The sleek strip incorporates the Porsche badge and flows with the body panel over the engine bay.
Inside, the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S have a refined layout with new aspects such as the instrument panel. Porsche’s new Communication Management (PCM) system is featured as standard with the option to add on adjustable modules for greater functionalities. Porsche also offers the Sound Package Plus with a 110-watt audio system in case the turbocharged flat-four cylinder doesn’t make enough music.
The new Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S will be available in the spring of 2016 around the globe, just in time for summer.
Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S Specifications
Porsche 718 Boxster:
Engine: 2.0-liter flat-four
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 300 at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 280 lb-ft. of torque from 1,950 to 4,500 RPM
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds (4.5 seconds with the PDK and Sport Chrono)
Top Speed: 170 mph
Porsche 718 Boxster S:
Engine: 2.5-liter flat-four
Aspiration: Turbocharged with Variable Turbine Geometry
Maximum Horsepower: 350 at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 309 lb-ft. of torque at 1,900 to 4,500 RPM
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (4.0 seconds with the PDK and Sport Chrono)
Top Speed: 177 mph
Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S Gallery
Source: Porsche
What do you think of the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S and their turbocharged flat-four engines?
