Long before the birth of the Boxster, Porsche had made use of the successful 718 RSK; a 570 kg mid-engined endurance racer. Now the brand has decided to revive the name and attach it to a car with similar properties. The 718 Boxster was teased-late last year beside the Cayman. With the name change the 718 will receive an enhanced suspension setup, a newer and more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine and, although not by much, a new exterior design.
The 718 will use both the 2,0- and 2,5-litre engines, however they will now be turbocharged much like the new 911 range. The 2,0-litre engine will develop 220 kW and 380 N.m of torque giving it a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4,7 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h (With PDK and Sports Chrono Package). The 2,5-litre 718 Boxster S will deliver 257 kW and 420 N.m of torque. With this it will achieve 0-100 km/h in 4,2 seconds and carry on to 285 km/h.
The 718 retains the previous Boxster’s chassis but it has been given some upgrades to make it more agile and increase its cornering abilities. The electronic steering and brakes have been revised in order to further optimise the handling and to compensate for the additional power. All 718 models will come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard but the PDK will be made available as an option. The Porsche Active Suspension Management will cater for those who wish to access the 718’s full traction by providing a 20mm suspension drop on the Boxster S only.
Although the 718 retains a lot of the Boxster’s design there are a few details that have been changed. The air intakes are now larger in order to compensate for the forced induction and gives the roadster a wider appearance. The interior also gains some revisions such as a new instrument panel, the Porsche communication panel infotainment system with mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the Sound Package Plus with 110 watts of audio power.
The market launch of the new mid-engine sports car begins this April.
