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Porsche 718 Model Series – Introduction

The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman – these are the new names of the two-door mid-engine sports cars from Porsche effective with the introduction of the 2016 models. The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer’s 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car of this type of the year 1957, which enjoyed much success in renowned car races of the period.

The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman are showing more similarities – both visual and technical. In the future, both will have equally powerful flat four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines with turbocharging. And the roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupé – as is the case for the 911 models.

Both models are scoring with expressive torque and power – generated by a four cylinders engine – that’s just genius work. So yes, it is a downsizing, but Porsche manages to gain more efficiency out of it.

The New Porsche 718 Boxster

In the twenty years since its debut, the Porsche Boxster has established itself as the benchmark roadster. Today, a new generation of the mid-engined two-seater is unveiled, powered by a newly-developed range of flat four cylinder ‘boxer’ engines with turbocharging. At the same time, a new designation is introduced; 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S.

Porsche Boxster Power

More powerful yet more fuel efficient, the centrepiece of the new model series is the 718 Boxster which develops 300 hp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine.

The 718 Boxster S contains a 2.5-litre engine, which develops 350 hp, its greater power literally boosted by its use of a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. In fact, Porsche is now the only manufacturer to offer this technology in production cars with petrol engines, both in the 911 Turbo and 718 Boxster S.

The considerable power gain of 35 hp compared to the previous Boxster models is matched by the impressive efficiency of the new turbo engines. The new 718 Boxster models have fuel economy improvements of up to 13 per cent.

Complementing the more powerful engines is new suspension tuning and uprated brakes, ensuring the characteristically dynamic and emotive Boxster driving experience remains distinctive.

Porsche Boxster Design

The exterior design of the new model line has also advanced comprehensively. The vehicle has been completely revised, except for the luggage compartment lids, the windscreen and the powered convertible roof. Inside, a newly-designed dash panel frames the cockpit.

In addition, the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management with state-of-the-art touchscreen and mobile phone preparation included as standard. The navigation module is available as an option.

The New Porsche 718 Cayman

The Porsche 718 Cayman, latest and fourth generation of the mid-engined, two-seater sports coupé is distinguished by a distinctive athletic and purposeful appearance, with new flat-four turbocharged ‘boxer’ engines delivering upwards of 300 hp beating at its heart.

Since its debut in 2005, the Porsche Cayman has earned a particular reputation as a driver’s car among owners and fans alike. Now, the new 718 Cayman aims to once more set the class benchmark for driving performance.

Like the 718 Boxster, the new 718 Cayman models continue the tradition of the Porsche 718 mid-engined sports cars that won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, powered by four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines.

Porsche Cayman Performance

With the new turbo engines, the coupés accelerate in record time and, thanks to Dynamic Boost, react as spontaneously as naturally aspirated engines. The 718 Cayman with PDK gearbox and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.7 s faster), the 718 Cayman S in 4.2 seconds (0.5 s faster). Maximum speeds are 275 km/h and 285 km/h. A new feature is the Sport Mode of the PSM with extended limits for especially sporty drivers.

Porsche Cayman Efficiency

Thanks to Porsche turbocharging and reduced displacements, the four-cylinder engine with PDK gearbox in the 718 Cayman uses 6.9 l/100 km. In the 718 Cayman S, the flat engine with PDK consumes just 7.3 l/100 km.

Porsche Cayman Chassis

Completely retuned chassis for even more dynamic cornering with enhanced comfort. Reinforced brakes and multi-collision braking system as standard. Optional PASM chassis with a 10-millimetre lower ride height, and for the very first time in the 718 Cayman S a PASM sport suspension with 20-millimetre lower ride height as an option.

Porsche Cayman Design

Exterior: Comprehensively advanced design. Only the luggage compartment lid, roof and windscreen have been left unchanged. The front end exhibits a more sculptural form with significantly larger cooling air inlets. Accent strip with three-dimensional Porsche lettering on the rear. New clear glass tail lights with four-point brake lights.

Interior: Optional Sport-Tex leather/fabric upholstery available with the 718 models for the first time. On offer in black or in the bi-colour combination of graphite blue/chalk.