A completely new generation of turbocharged flat-four cylinder engines takes performance in the 718 Boxster to new heights – and represents the first time Porsche is equipping sports cars with flat four-cylinder engines since production of the 912 E ended 40 years ago. Turbocharging significantly boosts torque. The two-liter engine of the 718 Boxster puts out 280 lb.-ft. of torque, which is available from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm. To put this into perspective: The new engine makes 74 lb.-ft. or 36 percent more torque than the previous powertrain and does so over a much broader power band. The 2.5-liter engine of the 718 Boxster S develops 309 lb.-ft. from 1,900 rpm to 4,500 rpm – a 43 lb.-ft. gain over the outgoing Boxster S engine.
The newly developed exhaust systems guarantee passionate, Porsche-typical sound. Exhaust gases from the four cylinders are merged just before the turbocharger which is mounted to the engine directly behind the driver’s seat. The single exhaust tract runs past the engine and then branches into two pipes in front of the transmission. Like on the previous model, these run past the transmission to the two rear mufflers.
Thanks to the significant increase in torque, the new 718 Boxster models offer superior acceleration compared to their predecessors. The 718 Boxster – when equipped with PDK and the Sport Chrono Package – sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds (0.7 seconds faster than the previous model). The 718 Boxster S outfitted with these performance-enhancing options reaches 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds (0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor). The engines rev up to 7,500 rpm – characteristic of a thoroughbred sports car engine. The driver can make use of the engine's power and torque over a broad rpm range of revs without having to shift, and the full torque of the turbo engine is available immediately after a gear change. The top track speed of the 718 Boxster is 170 miles per hour (8 miles per hour faster than before), and the 718 Boxster S can achieve a top track speed of 177 miles per hour (5 miles per hour faster than the previous model).
The 718 models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, which has been reinforced with new components and a stronger clutch due to the increased torque of the new turbocharged engines. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) with seven gears is available as an option and has also been strengthened with new components. Like in the latest generation of 911 models, the direction of shifting in manual mode has now been reversed to correspond to the logic used in race cars: pushing the gear selector forward initiates a downshift, pulling it back commands an upshift. Furthermore, the transmission holds the driver-selected gear and does not upshift at redline in manual mode.
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.
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. The enlarged air intake cover is another indication of the 718 Boxster‘s increased performance. The rear fenders are less arched, emphasizing the width of the 718 Boxster.
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.
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 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 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.
Engine | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
---|---|---|
Type | Turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine | |
No. of cylinders | 4 | |
Valves/cylinder | 4 | |
Displacement | 1,988 cm3 | 2,497 cm3 |
Bore | 91.0 mm | 102.0 mm |
Stroke | 76.4 mm | |
Max. power output | 300 hp | 350 hp |
at engine speed | 6,500 rpm | |
Max. torque | 280 lb.-ft. | 309 lb.-ft. |
at engine speed | 1,950 – 4,500 rpm | 1,900 – 4,500 rpm |
Power output per liter | 151 hp/l | 140 hp/l |
Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
Maximum engine speed | 7,500 rpm | |
Cooling system | Water cooling with thermal management and water pump that operates on demand | |
Valve control | Camshaft adjustment and VarioCam Plus valve stroke adjustment for intake and exhaust | |
Oil supply | Integrated dry sump lubrication and demand-controlled oil pump | |
Engine charging | Single turbocharger, 19 psi (1.3 bar) max. boost | Single turbocharger with VTG, 16 psi (1.1 bar) max. boost |
Intercooling | Water-to-air intercooling (two low-temperature air-water radiators and a water intercooler) | |
Exhaust system | Dual-branch exhaust system with central stainless steel tailpipe | Dual-branch exhaust system with central stainless steel dual tailpipes |
Emission control system | Two three-way catalytic converters and on-board diagnostics for monitoring the emission control system | |
Fuel management | Gasoline Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) | |
Drive system | Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive | |
Wheels and Tires | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
Wheels with tires, front | 8 J x 18 ET 57 with 235/35 ZR 18 tires | 8 J x 19 ET 57 with 235/40 ZR 19 tires |
Wheels with tires, rear | 9.5 J x 18 ET 49 with 265/45 ZR 18 tires | 10 J x 19 ET 45 with 265/40 ZR 19 tires |
Luggage Capacity and Weights | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
Luggage capacity | 5.3 cu.-ft. (150 l) front, 4.4 cu.-ft. (125 l) rear | |
Manual/PDK | Manual/PDK | |
Unladen weight | 2,944/3,010 pounds | 2,988/3,054 pounds |
Gross vehicle weight rating | 3,649/3,715 pounds | 3,671/3,737 pounds |
Power-to-weight ratio | 9.8/10.0 lb./hp | 8.5/8.7 lb./hp |
Performance | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
Manual/PDK | Manual/PDK | |
Top track speed | 170/170 mph | 177/177 mph |
Acceleration | ||
0-60 mph | 4.9/4.7 s | 4.4/4.2 s |
0 – 60 mph with Sport+ | – /4.5 s | – /4.0 s |
0-100 mph | 11.3/11.1 s | 9.7/9.5 s |
0-100 mph with Sport+ | – /10.8 s | – /9.2 s |
Quarter mile | 13.4/13.2 s | 12.8/12.6 s |
Quarter mile with Sport+ | – /13.0 s | – /12.4 s |
Power Transmission | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
---|---|---|
Transmission | Six-speed manual transmission with single-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel; optional seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) | |
Clutch diameter | Manual 9.4 in. (240 mm); PDK 202/153 mm | |
Gear ratios | Manual / PDK | |
1st gear | 3.31/3.91 | |
2nd gear | 1.95/2.29 | |
3rd gear | 1.41/1.65 | |
4th gear | 1.13/1.30 | |
5th gear | 0.95/1.08 | |
6th gear | 0.81/0.88 | |
7th gear | –/0.62 | |
Reverse gear | 3.00/3.55 | |
Rear axle | 3.89/3.62 |
Chassis | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
---|---|---|
Front axle | Lightweight spring-strut suspension (MacPherson type) | |
Rear axle | Lightweight MacPherson suspension | |
Steering | Electromechanical power steering with variable steering ratio and steering pulse input | |
Steering ratio | 15.0:1 (on-center) to 12.4:1 | |
Steering wheel diameter | 14.8 inches (375 mm) / opt. 14.1 inches (360 mm) | |
Turning radius | 36 ft. (10.98 m) | |
Driving stability system | Porsche Stability Management (PSM) incl. ABS with extended brake functions |
Brakes | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
---|---|---|
Brake system | Four-piston aluminium monoblock fixed calliper brakes, front and rear | Four-piston aluminium monoblock fixed caliper brakes, front and rear |
Brake discs, front axle | Grey cast iron; internally vented and perforated | |
Diameter | 13.0 inches (330 mm) | |
Thickness | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | 1.3 inches (34 mm) |
Brake discs, rear axle | Grey cast iron; vented and perforated | |
Diameter | 11.8 inches (299 mm) | |
Thickness | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
Dimensions | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
---|---|---|
Length | 172.4 inches (4,379 mm) | |
Width / with door mirrors | 70.9 inches (1801 mm) / 78.5 inches (1994 mm) | |
Height | 50.4 inches (1281 mm) | 50.4 inches (1280 mm) |
Wheelbase | 97.4 inches (2475 mm) | |
Track width, front (for wheel size) | 59.6 inches (1515 mm) (18") | 59.6 inches (1515 mm) (19") |
Track width, rear (for wheel size) | 60.3 inches (1532 mm) (18") | 60.6 inches (1540 mm) (19") |
Fuel | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
---|---|---|
Fuel tank capacity (refuelling volume) | 14.3 gallons (54 l) / 16.9 gallons (64 l) optional | 16.9 gallons (64 l) |
Aerodynamics | 718 Boxster | 718 Boxster S |
Drag coefficient c D | 0.31 | 0.32 |
Frontal area A | 1.99 m2 | |
cd x A: | 0.62 | 0.64 |
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price. |