Porsche has revealed its new 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S.
The new generation of the mid-engined two-seater is powered by a newly-developed range of flat four cylinder ‘boxer’ engines with turbocharging resulting in more power, more torque and greater efficiency. The new numbering from Porsche means the 718 sits beside the established line up with numbered identities – 911 Carrera, 918 Spyder, 919 Hybrid.
Porsche says the vehicle has been completely revised, except for the luggage compartment lids, the windscreen and the powered convertible roof. The front has a wider and ‘more purposeful’ appearance, with larger cooling air intakes for the new turbocharged engine. New design of the Bi-Xenon headlights feature integrated LED daytime running lights. The doors are now designed without door handle recess covers, while new 19-inch wheels are standard on the 718 Boxster S. 20-inch diameter wheels are available as an option. The rear has been redesigned with a much wider appearance – emphasised by the accent strip with integrated ‘Porsche’ badge - between the completely re-designed tail lights which are distinguished by three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights.
Inside, a newly-designed dash panel frames the cockpit. In addition, the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with state-of-the-art touchscreen and mobile phone preparation included as standard. The navigation module is available as an option.
Developing 300 hp (220 kW) from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, the 718 Boxster S has a 2.5-litre engine, pumping out 350 hp (257 kW). Its greater power output is literally boosted by its use of a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The 718 Boxster – with optional PDK double-clutch automatic transmission and the Sport Chrono Package – sprints from 0 – 62 mph in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds quicker). The equivalent 718 Boxster S accomplishes this in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster). The top speed of the 718 Boxster is 170 mph, and the 718 Boxster S has a top speed of 177 mph.
Each 718 model is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which now features fuel-saving ‘virtual gears’ previously introduced on the 911 model series, is available as an option.
Porsche says the ‘considerable’ power gain of 35 hp (26 kW) compared to the previous Boxster models is matched by the ‘impressive efficiency’ of the new turbo engines - with fuel economy improvements of up to 13 per cent. The four-cylinder flat engine with PDK has a NEDC Combined fuel consumption figure of 40.9 mpg (5.1 mpg more than the previous model). In the 718 Boxster S, the 2.5-litre turbo engine with PDK returns 38.7 mpg Combined (4.3 mpg more than the previous model). Matching the more powerful engines is new suspension tuning and uprated brakes.
Available to order now, prices start at £41,739 OTR for the 718 Boxster and from £50,695 OTR for the 718 Boxster S
