Porsche has taken the wraps off its new 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T derivatives, claiming to have “transferred the puristic design” of the original (1968) 911 T to its range of two-seater sportscars.
Both variants use the brand’s 2,0-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, providing unchanged peak outputs (compared with the base Cayman and Boxster) of 220 kW and 380 N.m through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed PDK.
With an unladen weight of 1 350 kg (or some 30 kg more with the fitment of the PDK), Porsche says each of the “T” models can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 5,1 seconds (or 4,7 seconds for the PDK models). Top speed comes in at 275 km/h.
So, what sets these two variants apart from the basic Cayman and Boxster derivatives? Well, Porsche says they each feature an “extensive equipment package”, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels, the Porsche Active Suspension Management sports chassis (lowered by 20 mm), a centrally positioned sports exhaust (with black, chrome-plated twin tailpipes), a shortened gearshift and the Sport Chrono package.
Still, Porsche goes on to say the two-seaters also offer a “pared down range of features”. These include black door pulls in the door panels and sports seats with electric two-way adjustment, black Sport-Tex centre sections and the “718” logo embroidered on the headrests. Furthermore, the Porsche Communication Management module has been replaced by a large storage compartment, though buyers who do not wish to forego the entertainment system may order it at no extra charge.
The firm says these weight-saving measures “balance out the additional weight created by the installation of the gasoline particulate filter”, the latter a requirement under the new WLTP regulations.
Inside, each 718 T model boasts a 360 mm GT sports steering wheel, “Boxster T” or “Cayman T” logos on the instrument dials (and repeated on the door entry strips) and extra glossy black finishes.
