Brand-spanking-new Boxsters are coming to a Porsche dealer near you. Porsche just revealed that the newly configured Boxster and Boxster S will be in North American showrooms come this summer 2016. Europe could get its hands on one as early as May Day.
This announcement comes just over a month and a half after the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s official disclosure about the introduction of the first-ever Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman.
First out of the blocks between the two are the new 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S.
In retrospect, though, it’s hard to believe that the Boxster debuted an entire 20 years ago. The first model year was 1997.
That Boxster got off the line with 201 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, posting a 0-to-60 mph mark of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. At the time, this was all generated by a 2.5-liter engine — a flat-six.
Fast-forward 20 years later: The new 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S — brace yourselves — sport flat-four-cylinder engines (!) — and not normally aspirated ones, either, but turbocharged (!). Yikes!
Next thing you know swine will be in dogfights with drones over crowded airspace, and down parkas, thermal underwear and ice skates will be the gear of unanimous choice in the hellish underworld.
Also in stark contrast to the first-ever Boxster (Type 986), the 718 Boxster generates 300 horsepower from an engine displacement of 2.0 liters, whereas the 718 Boxster S is powered by a 2.5 liter engine delivering 350 hp.
Porsche is quick to point out in addition that the S-model goes one step beyond the non-S-model in a newfangled way: The S boasts a different kind of turbocharger — one with variable turbine geometry (VTG). Gas-engine VTG was originally developed for Porsche and the Porsche Turbo by Borg Warner.
In comparison to its latest Boxster (981) predecessors’, the new engines produce at least 35 more hp and are also up to 14% more efficient, this according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Porsche informs us that U.S. EPA fuel economy data are forthcoming at a later date.
Resurrecting the Type “718” Number
Porsche shares with us that, by using Type Number “718,” this pays homage to the flat-four-cylinder engines that were used in the original mid-engine Porsche 718 race car.
In my previous article on the announcement of the new 718 line, I noted that Porsche’s jumping-off point in resurrecting “718” was as follows: “By design, of course, naming the series after the 718 hearkens back to the glorious racing victories and podiums of the ‘Giant Killers’ of their day.”
This all began with the mighty Porsche 550 Spyder and then later with the 718 race cars that vanquished more powerful race cars both inside and outside of their own racing classes in the Fifties and Sixties.
So how does the excellence of this rich racing history translate across the turn of the century, to the Twenty-first?
Very well, according to Porsche. And how about that Porsche 919 Hybrid, with its 4-cylinder gas engine, taking last year’s Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles in the 2015 World Endurance Championship (WEC)?
So, please, do read on. . .
Those New Flat-Four-Cylinder Engines
The powerplants in the 718 line are the first 4-cylinder engines in a production Porsche ever since the last 1995-model-year 968, which was the final evolutionary series conclusion of the front-engine 924 begun in model-year 1977 “and a half.” Originating in model-year 1992, the 968 in ’95 became the very last in a very long line of 4-cylinder Porsches ever since the “origin of the species” in 1948 — until now.
The new 718 4-cylinder engines are being “reintroduced” now to provide more power with greater fuel efficiency — from smaller displacement. What’s lurking behind the scenes of this and other similar, interrelated Porsche scenarios?
For starters, how about Porsche’s trademark genetically ingenious modus operandi — in this particular instance keeping a step or two or maybe even three ahead of the onrushing global onslaught of onerous counter-global-warming emissions standards and Obama-decreed 2016 CAFE regulations here in the States? Hmm?
In any event, here are Porsche’s initial engine specs:
718 Boxster Engine
- Type – Flat 4
- Induction – Turbocharged
- Displacement – 2.0 liters
- Horsepower – 300 hp
- Torque – 280 lb.-ft. from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm
- Compression ratio – 9.5 : 1
- Transmission – 6-speed manual (standard) or 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) automatic (optional)
Because the turbocharging boosts torque substantially, Porsche states that the new engine makes 74 lb.-ft., or 36% more torque than its 981 predecessor’s powertrain, and does so over a much broader power band.
The net result is said to be notable. For instance, when equipped with PDK and the Sport Chrono Package, the 718 Boxster dashes from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds (0.7 second faster than the previous model). Its top track speed is 170 mph (8 miles per hour faster than before).
718 Boxster S Engine
- Type – Flat 4
- Induction – Turbocharged
- Displacement – 2.5 liters
- Horsepower – 350 hp
- Torque – 309 lb.-ft. from 1,900 rpm to 4,500 rpm
- Compression ratio – 9.5 : 1
- Transmission – 6-speed manual (standard) or 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) automatic (optional)
The 718 S’s increased torque represents a 43 lb.-ft. gain over the previous Boxster S engine. Again, when equipped with the optional PDK and the Sport Chrono Package, the S reaches 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds (0.5 second faster than its predecessor). Top track speed of the 718 Boxster S is 177 mph (5 mph faster than the previous 981 S).
Suspension to Match the Increase in Power and Performance?
What with this increase in performance, the question remains, whether the new 718 Boxsters have the suspension to match. According to Porsche, Weissach has designed sportier suspension tuning and calibration “for greater agility.” Sounds great, but what are the details?
Well, the mid-engine configuration by its very nature has always been conducive to exceptional handling, as the Boxster has proven over the past two decades. But Porsche promises a completely retuned suspension that enhances superb corner carving.
A key component of this assertion is said to be the fact that the electric steering system has been improved by an additional 10% in terms of handling. This increased precision and maneuverability are said to in turn improve both road and track work, including everyday driving in traffic.
To help further match the 718 Boxsters’ increased power, an improved Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available as an option. This provides for a ten-millimeter lowering of the ride height.
Further refining matters is the 718 Boxster S-only additional option of PASM Sport Suspension, which allows for a 20-millimeter lower ride height. So there is now a broader span of suspension options for both ride comfort and for stiffness to counteract flex inherent in roadsters and cabriolets.
Refreshed Design
As you can see in the accompanying photos, the new 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S aren’t exactly bowwows in the looks department, either. Porsche has “resculpted” the body to set it apart from previous Boxsters, giving it a wider, more muscular appearance.
Porsche points out that the luggage compartment lids, the windshield and the convertible top are the only remnants from the previous Type 981, with everything else having been redesigned.
To signify the new, turbocharged engine generation, the front facia’s cooling air intakes have been significantly increased in size. The Bi-Xenon™ headlights have been redesigned, integrating the LED daytime running lights.
A Boxster-first are the optional LED headlights sporting four-point daytime running lights that are becoming a unique-to-Porsche lighting cue from the 919 Hybrid race car, on down to the production models.
Other changes include:
- Uniquely styled side sills and wings
- Larger side air inlet panels with two fins
- Coverless door handles
- Redesigned rear fascia
- Newly added rear strip with integrated Porsche badging located between the taillights
- New bold taillights with three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights
Sport Chrono Package
The Sport Chrono Package is optional, now including its Individual program in addition to the three settings of Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. For the first time in the Boxster line, the Sport Response Button in the center of the mode switch primes the engine and transmission for the fastest possible unleashing of power for 20 seconds of maximum responsiveness when pressed. Unfortunately the Sport Response Button is available only on 718s equipped with PDK.
Upgraded Porsche Communication Management as a New Standard Feature
The interior of the 718 line has also been upgraded for further model differentiation. For instance, the instrument panel is all new. The now-standard Porsche Communication Management (PCM) boasts the following features:
- Cell-phone preparation
- Audio interfaces
- A 110-watt Sound Package Plus
- Optional navigation module, including voice control
- Optional Connect Plus module working in conjunction with the navigation module
The 718 Boxster and Boxster S go can be purchased now, but will not roll onto U.S. showrooms until late-June 2016. The 718 Boxster has a starting MSRP of $56,000, and the 718 Boxster S from $68,400, plus a $1,050 destination charge.
I’m sure that, you, along with me, can’t wait to experience this potentially historic Porsche game-changer firsthand . . . by the seats of our pants, of course. . .