New Porsche 718 Boxster specs, pics and release date
Published Date: 27th Jan 2016
The new mid-engine Porsche 718 Boxster roadster comes complete with a four-cylinder engine
More Power and Better Fuel Efficiency
20 years on from the first Boxster made its debut, Porsche is restructuring its mid-engine roadsters. The latest generation models are the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S. The brand new convertibles are now more powerful and achieve better fuel efficiency. Porsche has continues the tradition of the four-cylinder flat engines that were used in the Porsche 718 mid-engine sports cars that won numerous races back in the 1950s and 1960s, among them being the legendary Targa Florio and Le Mans.
The centrepiece of the new model series is the newly developed four-cylinder flat engine packed with a turbocharger. The 718 Boxster develops 300 bhp of power from the two litre engine, while the 718 Boxster S produces 350 bhp from 2.5 litres of displacement. In the S-model, Porsche also uses a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. In fact Porsche is now the only manufacturer to offer VTG technology in production cars with petrol-driven engines, both in the 911 Turbo and in the 718 Boxster S. There’s an impressive power gain of 35 bhp compared to the previous Porsche Boxster models and the efficiency of the new turbo engines. The new 718 Boxster models have fuel economy improvements of up to 13 per cent.
The completely new chassis tuning and stronger brakes provide for passionate and sporty driving pleasure. The design of the new model line was also comprehensively advanced. The vehicle was completely revised except for the luggage compartment lids, the windscreen and the convertible top. Inside, a newly designed dash panel frames the cockpit. In addition, the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a state-of-the-art touchscreen is included as standard. The navigation module is available as an option.
Efficient turbo power from four cylinders
The launch of the new 718 Boxster generation represents the first time since the late 1960s that Porsche is again implementing sports cars with four-cylinder flat engines. Turbocharging significantly boosts torque. The two-litre engine of the 718 Boxster has a maximum torque of 380 Newton metres (gain of 100 Newton metres), which is available from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Boxster S even attains 420 Newton metres (60 Newton metres more) over a speed range from 1,900 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The 718 models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard.
New design emphasises sharpened profile
The 718 model line can be made out at first glance. The front end of the new roadster exhibits a much more sculptural form. The front has a wider and more masculine appearance. The much larger cooling air intakes at the front are a distinct exterior expression of the new turbo engine concept. The front end of the 718 Boxster is rounded out by the new design of the bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option.
Interior has new Porsche Communication Management as standard
Awaiting the driver in the cockpit of the 718 Boxster is the familiar Porsche interior environment, now upgraded with new elements such as the instrument panel. Another central element of the new interior layout is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) unit with mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the Sound Package Plus with 110 watts of audio power. The PCM can be extended with optional modules to thoroughly adapt it to personal requirements. For instance, the navigation module with voice control is available, which makes it easy to input driving destinations. In addition, the Connect Plus module is available as an extension of the navigation module; it provides extended online services.
The market launch of the new mid-engine sports car begins on April 30 in Europe. Pricing begins at £41,739 for the 718 Boxster, while the 718 Boxster S starts from £50,695.