The new mid-engine roadster with four-cylinder engines: Porsche 718 Boxster
20 years after the first Boxster made its debut, Porsche is restructuring its mid-engine roadsters. The designation for the new generation of models is 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S.
The two-seat convertibles are now more powerful yet more fuel efficient. With them, Porsche 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 with turbocharging. The 718 Boxster develops 220 kW (300 hp) of power from two litres of engine displacement, while the 718 Boxster S attains 257 kW (350 hp) 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. Impressive here are the considerable power gain of 26 kW (35 hp) compared to the previous 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.
Thus, the new 718 Boxster models sprint even faster. The 718 Boxster – with PDK and the Sport Chrono Package – sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds faster). The 718 Boxster S with the same equipment completes this disci- pline in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster). The top speed of the 718 Boxster is 275 km/h, and the 718 Boxster S has a top speed of 285 km/h.
The Porsche turbo concept is boosting driving performance while improving fuel economy. In the 718 Boxster, the four-cylinder flat engine with PDK has a NEDC fuel consumption figure of 6.9 l/100 km (1.0 l/100 km less). In the 718 Boxster S, the 2.5- litre turbo flat engine with PDK consumes just 7.3 l/100 km (0.9 l/100 km less).
The 718 models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The Por- sche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), which now features fuel-saving virtual gears, is available as an option.
New design emphasises sharpened profile
The 718 model line can be made out at first glance. The front end of the new road- ster 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 day- time running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are availa- ble as a new option.
From a side view, identifying features of the new model line include new, inde- pendently styled wings and side sills. Larger air inlet panels with two fins emphasise the car’s dynamic look. The doors are now designed without door handle recess co- vers. New 19-inch wheels are standard on the 718 Boxster S. 20-inch diameter wheels are available as an option.
The redesigned rear body of the 718 Boxster has a much wider look – especially due to the accent strip with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The entirely redeveloped tail lights are distinguished by their three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights.
The market launch of the new mid-engine sports car begins on April 30 in Europe. 718 Boxster pricing starts at 53,646 euros in Germany, and the 718 Boxster S from 66,141 euros, each with country-specific features and including VAT.
