2017 Porsche 718 Boxster in Riverside

The outstanding dynamic performance of its namesake served as inspiration to continue to improve upon the exceptional handling of the mid-engine roadster. The 718 Boxster’s completely retuned suspension enhances cornering performance. Adopted from the 911 Turbo, the electric steering system’s ratio is ten percent more direct on center than previously. This not only increases agility and precision but also maneuverability on challenging roads and tracks as well as in every-day traffic.

New suspension components and calibration for more precision and stability

To further enhance precision and lateral stability in driving performance, Porsche modified many components of the rear suspension. A new cross member strengthens the rear subframe, improving lateral rigidity. Shock absorbers with larger pistons also improve wheel guidance due to their greater rigidity. The rear wheels, which are half an inch wider than on the previous model, increase grip and improve cornering stability together with the new generation of tires, which offer increased dry and wet performance as well as reduced rolling resistance.

Retuned hydraulic vibration dampers as well as higher sway bar and spring rates reduce pitch and roll to a minimum. Porsche has also fitted the standard suspension with additional rebound buffer springs. They reduce front body lift under acceleration and body roll during hard cornering. At the same time, they also enhance comfort by improving suspension fidelity on bumpy surfaces.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available as an option and includes a 0.39 inch (10 millimeter) lower ride height compared to the standard suspension. For the first time, the PASM Sport Suspension with a 0.78 inch (20 millimeter) lower ride height is available as an option for the 718 Boxster S. The suspension with adaptive dampers, which has also been retuned, offers an even broader spread between ride comfort suitable for long road trips and stiffness necessary for spirited driving.

Just like in the 911, the optional Sport Chrono Package now includes the steering wheel mounted Mode switch with an Individual program in addition to the three settings Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. In models equipped with PDK, the Sport Response Button, which was inspired by motorsports, has been added. It sharpens the responsiveness of the engine and the transmission to promote best possible acceleration.

A familiar environment awaits the driver inside the new 718 Boxster, which has been upgraded with new elements such as the instrument panel. Another defining element of the new interior layout is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) unit with mobile phone preparation (Bluetooth™), audio interfaces and the 110 watt Sound Package Plus. The PCM can be enhanced with a navigation module including voice control. Beyond that, the Connect Plus module is available as an extension of the navigation module, providing a wide array of online services.

The electromechanical steering system, which is ten percent more direct, makes the 718 Boxster even more agile and easier to handle during spirited driving and in traffic. The new model incorporates the steering gear of the 911 Turbo with its quicker ratio. Power Steering Plus is available as an option. It reduces steering effort at low speeds while maintaining a reassuring level of stability at higher speeds.

The driver takes control of the 718 Boxster via a new generation steering wheel featuring a design based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder. When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the steering wheel features a mode switch, which was derived from the hybrid map switch found in the 918 Spyder. The mode switch consists of a rotary dial with four positions for the driving modes Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. On cars equipped with the optional PDK transmission, the Sport Response button is added.

Using variable torque distribution and a mechanical differential lock at the rear axle, the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring system improves turn-in and traction when entering or exiting a corner. When turning into a curve at high speed, moderate brake pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel. As a result, the outside rear wheel receives a higher drive force, allowing for additional angular momentum in the direction the vehicle is being steered, thus improving turn-in precision and agility. When accelerating out of a corner, the mechanical differential lock provides additional traction and stability

The 718 Boxster and Boxster S are immediately recognizable. The front has been resculpted and has a wider, more muscular appearance. Significantly larger cooling air intakes serve as a distinct symbol of the new turbocharged engine generation. Redesigned Bi-Xenon headlights with two integrated LED daytime running lights are another striking feature, now fitted as standard. Two headlight options are available, including a Bi-Xenon headlight with an LED high beam plus and a daytime running light module with 4 LEDs, while the top offering comes as full LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights – a first for the mid-engine roadster.

Glancing at the car from the side, defining features of the new model line include new, independently styled fenders and side skirts. Larger air intakes with two vanes emphasize the car's dynamic look. The doors now do without door handle recess covers. New 19-inch wheels are standard on the 718 Boxster S. 20-inch wheels are optionally available.

The redesigned rear fascia of the 718 Boxster models places a much greater emphasis on width – especially due to the strip with integrated Porsche badge located between the tail lights. The new taillights stand out thanks to three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights.

For the past 20 years, the Porsche Boxster has stood for timeless roadster design, a clearly defined mid-engine concept and a classic convertible top. The 718 Boxster emphasizes this strong character more than ever with even more precise edges and curvatures, large wheels, narrow tire gaps, and short overhangs. The new model line has been enhanced as comprehensively in its design as it has in its technology. Only the front and rear luggage compartment lids, windshield and convertible top were left unchanged. The taut proportions, emphasized air intakes on the front and sides as well as the low silhouette underscore the roadster's higher level of performance.

The 718 Boxster and Boxster S are immediately recognizable. The front end is flatter and looks wider with its lines running outward. This effect is reinforced by narrow front lights above the outer cooling air intakes, which incorporate the positioning lights and direction indicators. The nose is lower, enhancing the overall impression of the vehicle being closer to the road. Design edges on the upper front body reflect the lines of the V-shaped profile. The center part of the front end features two new horizontal design elements that also emphasize the width of the 718 Boxster. Significantly larger cooling air intakes serve as a distinct symbol of the new turbocharged engine generation. Redesigned Bi-Xenon headlights with two integrated LED daytime running lights are another striking feature, now fitted as standard. Two headlight options are available, including a Bi-Xenon headlight with an LED high beam plus and a daytime running light module with 4 LEDs, while the top offering comes as full LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights – a first for the mid-engine roadster.

Glancing at the car from the side, the new 718 Boxster models stand out not just because of the unmistakable flyline, but also thanks to redesigned and more precisely defined mirrors, fenders, doors, air intake covers and sill covers. The new mirrors are equipped with a V-shaped base and help emphasize the sporty overall appearance of the 718 Boxster. Other details include the new door handles without recess covers, giving the door a flusher look. With its even more clearly defined edge, the indentation in the door leads to the redesigned air intake with 2 vanes. The enlarged air intake cover is another indication of the 718 Boxster‘s increased performance. The sill cover also has a much more visible edge, which makes the vehicle appear closer to the road. It also makes the car seem lighter in the middle. The rear fenders are less arched, emphasizing the width of the 718 Boxster. There is also a revised choice of wheels. The 718 Boxster is fitted with the familiar 18-inch Boxster wheels, while the 718 Boxster S comes standard with 19-inch Boxster S wheels in a new design.

The redesigned rear fascia of the 718 Boxster looks wider and even more dynamic due to the high-gloss black trim strip that features an integrated Porsche logo between the taillights. The three-dimensional design of the Porsche logo gives the brand name a completely new appearance. The completely redesigned taillights are distinguished by the three-dimensional interior components which are plainly visible through the clear glass. Their night design stands out with sharp and homogeneous running and brake light designs. The reversing lights are integrated into the four fingers of the brake lights.

The wider rear fenders and the aerodynamically optimized shape of the rear wing profile fit in perfectly with the wider-looking rear fascia. A refined rear wing actuator allows the aerodynamic balance to be optimally adjusted depending on whether the top is retracted or not. The wing extends 1.77 inches (45 millimeters) when the roof is closed, and 2.17 inches (55 millimeters) when the top is open. As before, the third brake light is positioned on the rear luggage compartment lid. The larger number of individual LEDs provide homogeneous illumination of the third brake light. This produces a light design that complements the light design of the taillights. The additional light edge level with the reflectors emphasizes the width and stance of the vehicle. The diffuser is higher, and the larger black area makes the rear fascia look lighter. Integrated into the rear diffuser, the 718 Boxster has a central single tailpipe, while the 718 Boxster S has a central twin tailpipe to indicate its greater engine power.

The interior picks up on the exterior’s consistent emphasis of horizontal lines and is characterized by an even higher quality and functionality that is typical for Porsche. The impressive leather trim has stitching which continues to the storage compartment. With its elevated air vents, the redesigned upper part of the dash panel reflects the distinguished three-dimensional exterior design. The lid of the center console has been raised slightly compared to the previous model to provide more comfort. A sport steering wheel in the design of the 918 Spyder measuring 14.8 inches (375 millimeters) in diameter is standard. The 14.1 inch (360 millimeter) GT Sport steering wheel is available as an option. Porsche offers multifunction and steering wheel heating as options for all steering wheel versions. Moreover, five new interior colors are available for the 718 Boxster.

A central element of the new interior layout is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) unit which consists of a high-resolution, 7-inch color touchscreen with a high quality glass cover, proximity sensors and multi-touch gesture control. It also includes mobile phone preparation, 2 SD card readers with single CD/DVD drive, universal audio interface with an 11 GB jukebox and the 110 watt Sound Package Plus. Sound systems from Bose and Burmester are optionally available.

The PCM can be enhanced with optional modules. The Connect module comprises an iPod-capable USB port on the center console, Apple CarPlay including “Siri" voice control and Porsche Car Connect. Available in conjunction with the optional navigation module, Connect Plus additionally offers wireless internet access, an LTE telephone module, Google Earth and Google Street View and the Porsche Connect app.

Porsche Car Connect provides access to trip data such as the distance covered, average speed, fuel consumption and the current fuel level. The app can also display where the car is parked, or whether the roof, luggage compartment or doors are opened, closed or locked. To find the vehicle quickly in crowded parking lots, the horn or hazard lights can be activated. The user can also navigate from his or her current location to the car using the app. Pending maintenance appointments and the current tire pressures are also displayed. Furthermore, the app can be used to make an emergency call or report a breakdown, sending vehicle data and location to an emergency call center or Porsche Assistance.

The 718 Boxster now employs the brake system that was previously used in the Boxster S, with front brake rotors measuring 13 inches (330 millimeters), representing a 0.6 inch (15 millimeter) increase compared to the previous model. The 718 Boxster S is equipped with the new four-piston calipers and thicker brake rotors (34 millimeters instead of 28 millimeters) of the 2017 911 Carrera on the front axle. The Porsche Ceramic Composite brake system (PCCB) with rotors measuring 13.8 inches (350 millimeters) at all four wheels is available as an option. The 718 Boxster models also come standard with the multi-collision braking system. The system can reduce the severity of a secondary collision by automatically braking the vehicle after an initial collision triggering an airbag deployment.

When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the Porsche Stability Management system offers a separate mode known as PSM Sport that is activated by briefly pushing the PSM button on the center console. PSM Sport differs significantly from the PSM On setting, and is now activated independently of the Driving Mode (Normal/Sport/Sport Plus). When the PSM Sport mode is activated, an indicator in the instrument cluster and the yellow “PSM Off” lamp are lit to inform the driver.

The new PSM Sport mode lets drivers approach the limits of the vehicle more closely on enclosed tracks. Compared to PSM On, the new mode permits much larger yaw angles as well as more wheelspin and allows the driver to experience the sports car's dynamic performance more intensely. It also makes it unnecessary to fully deactivate PSM. However, the PSM Off mode is still available by pressing the PSM button for a longer period of time, staying true to the Porsche philosophy of giving the driver full control over the vehicle. As a safety precaution, hard braking triggering the ABS activates the full range of PSM stability control until the brakes are released.

A familiar environment awaits the driver inside the new 718 Boxster, which has been upgraded with new elements such as the instrument panel. Another defining element of the new interior layout is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) unit with mobile phone preparation (Bluetooth™), audio interfaces and the 110 watt Sound Package Plus. The PCM can be enhanced with a navigation module including voice control. Beyond that, the Connect Plus module is available as an extension of the navigation module, providing a wide array of online services.

Optional navigation and Connect Plus modules offer even more new functions

Available as an alternative is the navigation module with voice control which makes it easy to input driving destinations. The navigation module has an improved map display and can show maps two-dimensionally or in perspective. 3D representations are also possible in select regions. The module includes free map updates within the first three years. The Connect Plus module is available as an extension of the navigation module. It enables simple interfacing of a smartphone to the PCM, wireless Internet access for WiFi devices as well as using online functions such as information navigation services, and features an LTE telephone module.