The Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman launched

The Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman have raced their way to the country. Lightweight construction, modern design, and turbocharged, four-cylinder, mid-mounted engines express the standpoint behind the legendary Porsche 718 model line.

The 718 model series is an extension of the proven four-cylinder concept, as well as the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. Four-cylinder boxer engines have a long tradition at Porsche, and they have enjoyed unbelievable success ever since their introduction. In the late 1950s, the 718 – a successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder – represented the highest configuration level of the four-cylinder boxer engine. The latest example, the 919 Hybrid LMP1 racecar, also has a highly-efficient, 2 litre turbo- charged, four-cylinder engine.

The new two-seat sports cars, which now use the 718 moniker to pay homage to Porsche’s revered powerful model line, is now more fuel-efficient. The 718 Boxster and the 718 Cayman have finally set foot in the country, now turbocharged, boosting power and efficiency in ways only the celebrated brand from Stuttgart can deliver, and its now available in the Philippines.

Efficient Turbo Power from four cylinders

The heart of the new model series is the newly developed four-cylinder flat engine with turbo-charging. 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.

The launch of the new 718 Boxster generation represents the first time that Porsche is implementing again its sports cars with four-cylinder flat engines since the end of the 1960s. Turbocharging significantly boosts torque. The two-litre engine of the 718 Boxster has a maximum torque of 380 Newton metres (100 Newton metres more!), which is available from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm, where it is badly needed.

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 discipline 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 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.

From a side view, identifying features of the new model line include new, independently 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 covers. 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.

Sportier tuning of chassis for greater agility

the new roadster follows in the tracks of the original 718. The car’s completely retuned chassis improves cornering performance. The electromechanically steering system is configured to be ten per cent more direct. This makes the 718 Boxster even more agile and easier to steer.

Porsche Active Suspension Management

Available at extra charge for the roadsters is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a ten millimetre lower ride height. For the first time, the PASM sport chassis with a 20 millimetre lower ride height is available as an option for the 718 Boxster S. The active chassis, which has also been retuned, offers an even broader spread between long-distance touring comfort and dynamic sporty stiffness. Looks good too!

The 718 Cayman

The same new four-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging as in the 718 Boxster are being deployed in the 718 Cayman. As a result, coupe? and roadster have an identical engine output for the first time. The entry-level version starts with 220 kW (300 hp) from two litre engine. The S model delivers 257 kW (350 hp) with a displacement of 2.5 litres. This represents 25 hp more power compared to the prevoius models with an NEDC fuel consumption of 6.9 to 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

The tremendous torque of the new engines in the 718 Cayman promises driving pleasurable. The two-liter engine of the 718 Cayman achieves a torque of up to 380 Nm (plus 90 Nm), which is available between 1,950 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Cayman S features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), a technology hitherto used exclusively in the 911 Turbo. In the 718 Cayman S, the VTG charger additionally has a wastegate for the first time. This added torque makes stop and go easier on the engine, easy cruising on lower rpm, which is a welcome respite in these traffic heavy streets of the metropolis.

The extended proportions, noticeable air intakes at the front and sides and low side profile emphasize the boost in dynamics. The nose has a much sharper profile, which gives the front end a wider and more masculine appearance. Rounding off the front end of the 718 Cayman, are the significantly larger cooling air intakes and bi-xenon headlights in their new design with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option. Viewed from the side, the new sport coupe? reveals its striking wings and side sills. The redesigned rear has a much wider look due to the accent strip in high-gloss black with integrated Porsche badge between the taillights.

Inside, revisions are visible for both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The upper part of the dash panel including air vents is new. The new sport steering wheel in the 918 Spyder design has now been added to the 718 cockpit along with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Apple CarPlay is optionally available.