Bigger is always better. Now that’s a saying Porsche aren’t taking into consideration with their new Boxster 718, which are said to arrive in showrooms as early as this year. A lot of fans out there are probably crying about the two cylinders that have gone missing, however, it’s not all that bad.
Would you have thought losing a couple of valves would decrease power for those quick sprints and ludicrous top speeds? Wrong! Porsche’s brand new turbocharged flat-four-cylinder petrol engine comes in two flavours, 2.0 and 2.5 litres respectively. Entry level Boxster’s produce 295 horsepower and 380 Nm. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a 285 km/h top speed. Certainly a bump up from previous models
Still don’t believe four-cylinders are better than six. Let’s see how the new generation compares to the old.
| Vehicle | Porsche Boxster S (New Generation) | Porsche Boxster S (Previous Generation) |
| Engine | 2.5 litre/Flat 4 | 3.4 litre/Flat 6 |
| Top Speed | 285 km/h | 281 km/h |
| Horsepower | 345 hp | 330 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 370 Nm |
| 0-100 time | 4.2 Seconds | 4.7 Seconds |
Besides having smaller displacements and quicker numbers, fuel economy rises 13%. These new powerful motors will eventually transition into Porsche Macan models. It’s unknown if other models such as Cayman’s will receive the smaller potent engine. As long as they don’t remove the flat six’s from 911’s everything will be just fine.
It’s not just the engine, Porsche has modified the chassis to make room for re-tuned suspension and all-new electromechanical power steering, which the German manufacturer claims are 10% more accurate. Even though a smaller engine has been dropped in, weight distribution maintains the same. With the new chassis, Boxster’s now ride 10mm lower.
A complete revision has been made to the body, with luggage compartment, convertible roof and windscreen all remaining the same. For example, headlamps and rear lights are much sharper and more in tune with headlights on the 911 for example. That’s not all, inside, the German manufacturer has implemented their latest PCM infotainment system with a more precise touchscreen and revised steering wheel.
Transmission options are a choice between automatic and a six-speed manual. Additionally, PDK transmissions and Sports Chrono packages are available for even quicker shifts. PDK dual-clutch gearboxes have been tweaked for more fuel economical gear shifts. By engaging two gears near to one another, a second gear is created for better fuel saving whilst cruising.
It’s a win-win situation, less money on petrol and more speed. What more could you ask for?
If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t realised that Porsche has added the 718 monikers to Boxster and Cayman models and are wondering what it means. It’s homage to mid-engine four-cylinder powered sport cars that won multiple races in the 50’s and 60’s, also dubbed 718’s.
New Porsche Boxster and Cayman 718 models are set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. Across the pond, prices start at $56000 for standard models, S models come in at $68,400 in the United States.
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