The engine is positioned no further than 12 in. behind the driver. Effect number one: the resounding thump on the back. Effect number two: the extraordinarily dynamic cornering capabilities, thanks to the car’s low and central center of gravity. The horizontally opposed arrangement of the engine’s cylinders also helps to reduce oscillations, which has a positive impact on smooth running. Another plus for driving dynamics: the concentrated power of the engine is transmitted directly to the rear axle.
The displacement of the new 718 models has been considerably reduced. Nevertheless, the power output of the new engines has been significantly increased. This has been possible thanks to the turbochargers developed for the 718 models completely from scratch. The respective turbocharger is particularly compact and has been optimally adapted to the displacement and power output of the engine.
The 718 models are equipped with a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission optimally matched to the respective engine map. The shift throws are sporty and short, and shift effort is low. This means short shift times for an engaging driving experience. The drive becomes even more dynamic in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package: in SPORT and SPORT PLUS mode, the dynamic throttle-blip function ensures the optimum engine speed for every downshift, a more emotional driving experience and an impressive sound.
The standard models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine with direct fuel injection (DFI), VarioCam Plus and integrated dry-sump lubrication. The unit develops 300 hp at 6,500 rpm. Maximum torque is 280 lb.-ft. Thanks to turbocharged induction, it is available as low as 1,950 rpm and prevails until 4,500 rpm. With Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the new 718 Boxster accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds, reaching a top track speed of 170 mph.
The new 718 models were made for the sport of it. Compared with the previous models, the result is a new, decidedly more striking design, an even sportier chassis setup and a host of new performance, comfort and assistance systems. And, of course, up to 350 units of turbocharged horsepower. Only one question remains unanswered: what are you still waiting for?
Precise, not fanciful. Self-assured, not restrained. Low, wide and sleek. The exterior design of the new 718 models ushers in a new era for the Boxster with sporty, distinctive edges and clearly defined formal contours.
The horizontal geometry of the air intakes makes the front end appear even wider – and lends it added bite. The fenders? Unmistakably Porsche. Higher than the front lid, they have been styled to give prominence to the new design of the headlights, which lay bare their inner workings and incorporate the LED daytime running lights.
With the optional sport exhaust system, the already powerful sound of the mid-mounted engine becomes even more intense – at the push of a button. Having caught the ear, the sport exhaust system also catches the eye: with centrally positioned sport tailpipes, available in highly polished chrome-plated stainless steel in black or silver color.
The new 718 models each come equipped with distinctively styled 18-inch wheels. The S models are fitted with 19-inch wheels introducing two new rim designs. On all 718 models, the wheels are light alloy – a sports car hallmark. An extra half an inch has been added to the width of the rear wheels. This provides greater stability and overall enhanced cornering performance, in conjunction with the new generation of summer tires.
Comfort doesn’t have to be sacrificed. Neither does a sporty driving feel. The optional fully electric Sport seats offer power adjustment of seat height, backrest angle, squab angle and squab depth. Also electrically operated are the fore/aft adjustment, four-way lumbar support and even the steering column. The included memory package stores a range of settings, including the positions of both exterior mirrors and all driver’s seat and steering wheel positions.
The SPORT button enables you to select a drivetrain setup where the emphasis is on either comfort or sporty performance. At the push of a button, the engine dynamics become even more direct. In addition, the optional sport exhaust system is activated automatically. In vehicles with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), upshifts take place at higher engine speeds and downshifts happen sooner.
An optional alternative the standard air condition system, two-zone automatic climate control has separate temperature controls for the driver and passenger and offers a choice of three climate setting profiles.
On the new 718 Boxster models, the front luggage compartment holds 5.3 cu.ft. At the rear of the new 718 Boxster, there is space for 4.4 cu.ft – roof up or roof down. Thanks to the shelf above the engine cover, there is even enough room to accommodate the longer items of your belongings. In the interior, too, clever storage solutions offer plenty of space. The compartment under the armrest – when combined with the optional Porsche Connect or Porsche Connect Plus module – becomes the ideal interface between your smartphone and your 718 model.
The new 718 models offer advanced airbag technology in the form of full-size driver and front passenger airbags, which are inflated in two stages depending on the severity and type of accident. They also feature driver and passenger knee airbags. All 718 models are also equipped with the Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP). It comprises side impact protection elements in the doors and two airbags on each side. An integral thorax airbag is located in each seat side bolster, while the door panels each contain an upwards-inflating head airbag.
In the open-top 718 Boxster models, dual roll-over protection creates survival space in the event of a roll-over or side impact. The front roll-over protection element is made from super-high-strength steel. The rear roll-over bars located behind the seats are made from an aluminium and steel composite. These come fully trimmed and provide a high degree of safety.
New Lane Change Assist, available as an option, uses radar sensors to monitor the areas to the rear of the vehicle and the blind spots on either side. Above a speed of 19 mph, the system issues a visual warning signal in the door mirror panel whenever a vehicle rapidly approaches your vehicle from behind or enters one of your blind spots. In this way, Lane Change Assist improves comfort, particularly on interstates. However, the system does not actively intervene to control the vehicle and can be deactivated at any time.
In sport, performance counts. It applies to the engine and it also applies to the brakes. The new 718 models are therefore equipped with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed calipers. On the new 718 Boxster, the brake calipers come with a black finish – red on the S model. Brake disc diameters are 330 mm at the front and 299 mm at the rear. To make them tougher yet lighter and enable a more rapid response – even under extreme loads – the brake calipers have an enclosed monobloc construction. The pedal travel is short and the biting point precise. The brake discs are crossdrilled and internally vented, which helps to provide improved wet braking and optimum cooling.
Specs reflect base model unless otherwise noted.
Engine | Manual | PDK |
---|---|---|
Cylinder layout / number of cylinders | Boxer engine / 4 | Boxer engine / 4 |
Displacement | 2.0 liters | 2.0 liters |
Engine layout | Mid-engine | Mid-engine |
Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp |
@ rpm | 6500 rpm | 6500 rpm |
Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 | 9.5 : 1 |
Fuel Consumption | Manual | PDK |
---|---|---|
City (estimate) | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
Highway (estimate) | 28 mpg | 30 mpg |
Combined (estimate) | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
Performance | Manual | PDK |
---|---|---|
Top Track Speed | 170 mph | 170 mph |
0 - 60 mph | 4.9 sec | 4.7 sec (4.5 sec w/ Sport Chrono) |
Transmission | Manual | PDK |
---|---|---|
Driveline layout | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
Manual Gearbox | 6 speed | - |
PDK | - | 7 speed |
Other | Manual | PDK |
Luggage compartment volume | 5.3 cu.-ft. front / 4.4 cu.-ft. rear | 5.3 cu.-ft. front / 4.4 cu.-ft. rear |
Fuel tank | 14.3 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Body | Manual | PDK |
---|---|---|
Length | 172.4 in. | 172.4 in. |
Width (w/ mirrors folded) | 70.9 in. (78.5 in.) | 70.9 in. (78.5 in.) |
Height | 50.4 in. | 50.4 in. |
Wheelbase | 97.4 in. | 97.4 in. |
Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 | 0.31 |
Curb Weight | 2944 lbs | 3010 lbs |