Porsche’s Baby, Back with a Bang!

The baby of the Porsche range and also its smallest convertible, the Boxster, has gained a new numerical designation to go with its mid-cycle refresh, and will be known from now on as the 718 Boxster. The new number is a homage to the Porsche 718 from the 50’s and 60’s, a car that won a number of races during that time. Like its namesake, the new baby Porsche will have its flat-six engines replaced with two new turbocharged flat-four mills. In addition to this, the Cayman coupe, the hard-topped brother of the Boxster, is also expected to don the 718 badge. 

The biggest change in the 718 Boxster is the engine line-up - two turbocharged flat-fours will replace the old flat-six engines, with a significant boost in power to boot. In the base 718 Boxster, the turbocharged 2.0-litre flat-four produces a healthy 300hp, 35hp more than in the outgoing 2.7-litre flat-six. The mightier 718 Boxster S gets a larger 2.5-litre flat-four that’s also turbocharged, with also 35hp more than the outgoing Boxster S, and churns out 350 hp.

Transmission options remain unchanged, with the standard six-speed manual and the optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Porsche boasts that despite the increased power, the new turbo-fours are up to 14% more fuel efficient than their predecessors. 

The manual base 718 Boxster is expected to hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the PDK-equipped models can do it in 4.7 seconds. The Sport Chrono package lets it do it in just 4.5 seconds. The manual 718 Boxster S needs just 4.4 seconds to do the 0-60 sprint while the PDK does it in 4.2 seconds; equipped with the Sport Chrono package, it does the same in just four seconds flat.

The 718 Boxster gets a retuned suspension on top of new engines. Porsche also upgraded the brakes and installed a more direct electric power steering system. Virtual gears in the PDK gearbox help reduce the model's fuel consumption.

Almost every part of the car has been changed, except for the the soft top, cargo compartment lids, and the windshield. The car’s interior features a new dash layout comprising a standard touchscreen, new instrument panel and the latest Porsche Communication Management. Navigation is still an optional extra.

The exterior is largely unchanged. There are larger air intakes in the front, new side sills, bigger air inlets, and a rear spoiler that enhances the width of the car. The rear sports new LED taillights with four-point brake lights. 

The original 718