Check out the new Porsche 718 Boxster. If it reads weird to see a number designation in between, it’s because the new models of both the convertible Boxster and hardtop coupe Cayman will both bear the iconic 718 name to pay tribute to the Porsche open-cockpit race of the late 1950s.
For the new model, Porsche will be dropping the naturally-aspirated flat six engine for turbo-charged flat-four. Porsche promises more power from the new engines while delivering better fuel economy.
The Boxster gets the 2.0L turbocharged boxer that generates 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque up 25 hp and 73 lb-ft from the previous model. The beefier Boxster S gets a 2.5L engine that’s rated for 350 hp and 309 lb-ft.
The engines come mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard though the PDK seven-speed dual-clutch is option. It even has Porsche’s “virtual gear” system hat aids fuel economy in highway speeds.
The Boxster can reach 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and goes all the way to 170 mph. The S can do 60 from standstill in 4.0 seconds and tops out at 177 mph.