As expected, Porsche have officially announced the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2016. The 718 Boxster replaces the existing model and, despite downsizing, it is more powerful, more efficient and generally improved all round! The Porsche 718 Boxster is quite simply the biggest shakeup of the range in 20 years.
The name evokes the heritage of the 1957 Porsche 718 racer. It also used a four-cylinder engine in a mid-engined layout. The name also sits neatly alongside the rest of the Porsche range including the 718 Boxster, 911 Carrera, 918 Spyder, 919 Hybrid. The 718 Boxster will be joined at some point by a Porsche 718 Cayman, more on that one in the near future.
The mid-engined two-seater gets a new turbocharged 2.0 litre flat four boxer engine with 300 hp (220 kW) and 380 Nm of torque. The 718 Boxster S has a 2.5-litre engine which develops 350 hp (257 kW) and 420 Nm of torque. Both use turbochargers with variable turbine geometry. The power gains equate to 35 hp over the ongoing models while fuel efficiency is up by 13 per cent.
With the optional PDK double-clutch automatic transmission (the six-speed manual transmission is standard) and the Sport Chromo Package, the Porsche 718 Boxster manages a 0 – 62 mph of 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds quicker than the outgoing model) with a top speed of 275 km/h (170 mph). The equivalent 718 Boxster S achieves the same in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster than the previous version) with a top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph). Economy in the standard Boxster is 40.9 mpg and 38.7 mpg for the Boxster S.
To accompany the new engine, Porsche have fitted new suspension tuning and uprated brakes. The steering features an electro-mechanical power steering system which is said to be 10 percent more direct. The ride height is 10 mm lower which is decreased to 20 mm lower with the PASM Sport Chassis option. Also optional is the Sport Chromo Package with three settings; normal, sport and sport plus. The Sport Response Button is also added for a 20 second boost.
The exterior design receives some refinement too. The luggage compartment lids, the windscreen and the convertible roof are the only parts carried over from the previous model. The front is wider with larger air intakes, LED daytime running lights and Bi-Xenon headlights give the Boxster a distinct look.
The side features re-profiled side skirts together with larger air inlet panels. The rear is wider with an accent strip between the tail lights, themselves completely redesigned with three-dimensional LED technology. 19 inch wheels are fitted as standard on the 718 Boxster S with 20 inch wheels an optional extra.
Inside, Porsche have fitted a newly-designed dash panel. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is available together with a touchscreen and mobile phone preparation as standard. The navigation module is an option. The Porsche Vehicle Tracking System Plus (PVTS+) is also standard, ensuring the highest level of vehicle security.
The new Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S are available to order at Porsche dealers with deliveries planned for Spring 2016. In the UK, the 718 Boxster is priced from £41,739.00 RRP and the 718 Boxster S from £50,695.00 RRP.
