Porsche have confirmed that the new 2016 Boxster and Cayman models will bear the ‘718’ nomenclature, harking back to the open-cockpit racing car from the late ’50s.
Replacing the 981 Boxster and Cayman, the new 718 Boxster and Cayman models will also go back in time and sport four-cylinder motors. That’s right, the new 718 duo will bring in the turbo-four motors, replacing the glorious naturally-aspirated six-cylinder Boxers they presently have. Car Magazine‘s own Georg Kacher was on hand at the winter testing with Porsche. Believed to be 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre flat-four variable-vane turbocharged direct-injected engines, they are expected to put out 305 PS and 360 Nm in standard guise, with the S versions getting the larger 2.5 with 345 PS and 400 Nm. A six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK twin-clutch automatic will be available to send power to the rear wheels. The top-end GTS twins will receive more potent versions later. However, the top-end 718 Spyder and 718 GT4 will continue to offer six-cylinder power.
Either way, expect them to be not just light and extremely quick, but also very agile and sharp on the road and on the track. Porsche claim a 0-100 km/h dash of 5.4 seconds, with the S managing 4.9 seconds, and that is seriously quick time!
The move comes with a view to better integrating the Boxster and Cayman into the Porsche line-up, along the lines of the 911 Carrera and 911 Targa. What we’re really wondering is if we’ll see a 718 Turbo to go along with the whole change. The new range of turbocharged Porsche 911 (991.2) models as well as the 718 Boxsters and Caymen will arrive in India next year.
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Story: Jim Gorde
