jayk wrote:It’s been two decades since Porsche first gave us the Boxster, and now Stuttgart is revitalizing the old standby mid-engine roadster with a new generation. It’s called the Porsche 718, and it takes inspiration from the winning flat-four-engined cars of the ‘50s and ‘60s. More importantly, it’s sharper, more powerful, and of course, even faster than the outgoing Boxster.
Let’s start with the powerplant. Customers will have two new engines to choose from, starting with a turbo 2.0-liter in the base 718 Boxster. Output is rated at 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,950 and 4,500 rpm. Next up is the 718 Boxster S, which gets a turbo 2.5-liter with 350 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque between 1,900 rpm and 4,500 rpm.
Those are significant gains over the outgoing model, which makes the 718 faster, too. Equip the base model with the optional PDK transmission and Sport Chrono Package, and you’re looking at a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, a 0.7-second improvement. Top speed is 274 km/h, an 13 km/h gain. Put the PDK and Sport Chrono Package on the S, and 0-to-100 km/h is dispatched in 4.0 seconds (half a second quicker), while top speed is 285 km/h (9 km/h faster). Interestingly, Porsche claims both engines are also more efficient, and will provide exact EPA figures at a later date.
A six-speed manual comes standard. To complement the new engines, Porsche retuned the suspension and upgraded the brakes. The electric steering is now 10 percent quicker. Lateral acceleration enthusiasts are encouraged to opt for the Porsche Active Suspension Management system, which lowers ride height by 10 mm on the base model and 20 mm on the S.
Aesthetically, Porsche says it changed every body panel except the luggage compartment lids, windshield, and convertible top. There are larger intakes up front, as well as new headlights with a bi-xenon lighting element and LED DRLs. Full LED headlights with four-point DRLs are optional. The S gains standard 19-inch wheels with the option for 20-inchers. The rear is equipped with LED taillights.
Inside, the cabin gains a new dash. A touchscreen, 110-watt stereo, and Porsche Communication Management are standard, while navigation with voice control is optional.
