Creating more power is still no challenge. Not unless it's done the Porsche way. The result is an increase of up to 35 hp and 73 lb.-ft. of torque. And the fun is only just beginning.
The newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged engines with the customary Porsche horizontally opposed arrangement will surely raise the adrenaline level of the driver. Acceleration is tremendous – even in the low rpm range. This quality is supplemented by an engine map configured to offer the rev limits typical of a sports car. This means high compression and a high engine speed combined with good modulation of power output. Every drive becomes a sporting event – no matter how fast you go.
What hasn't changed is the vehicle's characteristically low and central center of gravity – the very reason why Porsche mid-engined models have always been so agile. The typically resonant Porsche sound is also an intrinsic feature of the new 718 models, providing the fitting soundtrack on the way to ever new heights of performance.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine
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 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine
The S models draw their power from a capacity of 2.5 liters. The result is 350 hp at 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 309 lb.-ft. is available across an impressively wide range from 1,900 to 4,500 rpm. This engine – like the engine in the 911 Turbo – also comes equipped with variable turbine geometry (VTG). VTG provides an even more consistent delivery of power and, in turn, significantly greater driving pleasure. Propulsive potential? Top track speed is 177 mph. The S models with PDK and Launch Control complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.0 seconds.
Auto start/stop switches off the engine when the driving speed falls below 4 mph, such as when you are approaching a red light. As soon as you release the clutch or depress the accelerator pedal, the engine restarts – swiftly and smoothly.
In conjunction with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), a coasting function becomes available when the situation allows. The engine is decoupled from the transmission to avoid deceleration caused by engine braking. This way, optimum use is made of the vehicle's momentum, enabling it to coast for longer distances.
6-speed manual transmission
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.
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
7-speed PDK, featuring both a manual and an automatic mode, is available as an option and offers extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. Not to mention even faster acceleration performance and a reduction in fuel consumption over the manual transmission.
In manual mode, the shift direction simulates that of racing cars – to the rear to shift up, forward to shift down.
Anyone can follow the straight and narrow. Only the corner is the true test of mettle. Only in the corner does a sport car really become a sport car. So it's all the more important to have a chassis that can master any sporting challenge. And be a match for the high power output of the engine.
The suspension components are for the most part made of aluminium, which keeps the vehicle weight and unsprung masses low. The wide track, long wheelbase and specific chassis construction help to deliver particularly precise and agile handling.
PTV is an optional system for enhancing driving dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a mechanical rear differential lock, it works by varying the amount of torque transmitted to the rear wheels.
When the car is driven assertively into a corner, moderate brake pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel. Consequently, a greater amount of drive force is distributed to the outside rear wheel, inducing an additional rotational pulse (yaw movement) around the vehicle's vertical axis. This results in a direct and sporty steering response from the turn-in point.
At low and medium vehicle speeds, PTV significantly increases agility and steering precision. At high speeds and under acceleration out of corners, the mechanically controlled rear differential lock also acts to provide greater driving stability and traction.
For the driver, this means strong resistance to destabilizing side forces, outstanding traction and great agility at every speed – with precise turn-in and well-balanced load transfer characteristics. What else? Tremendous fun in the corners.
Electromechanical power steering
The direct steering system of the new 718 models has a perceptibly more immediate ratio than that of the previous models. The results are agile turn-in and an even sportier driving experience – with a customarily high level of comfort.
Power steering Plus
The comfort-oriented Power steering Plus is available as an option. At high speeds, the steering is as firm as you would expect. At low speeds, the steering ratio adjusts for easier maneuvering and parking.
The new 718 Boxster models are equipped with enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) – an automatic control system for helping to maintain stability at the limits of dynamic driving performance.
PSM improves traction under acceleration on inconsistent road surfaces. The result is a high level of driving stability and safety – and extraordinary agility at the same time.
PSM Sport
In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, PSM is supplemented by a 'Sport' mode. It allows a significantly more sporty driving style, with PSM remaining active in the background. For a further enhancement to your driving experience.
Optional PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), the electronic damping control system, continuously adjusts the damping force on each wheel, based on current road conditions and driving style.
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.
Rolling resistance and tire weight are comparatively low.
A selection of 20-inch wheels is available in our range of options.
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.
The side profile emphasizes the midengine layout. The wheel arches are large, designed for wheels up to 20 inches in size. One thing is clear: the new 718 models were not intended for the shelter of the garage, but for the pleasure of driving. That's precisely why the contouring on the doors purposefully directs headwind into the large air intakes on either side of the car. This ensures the optimum supply of air to the new turbocharged engines, a basis for their powerful forward thrust.
With the standard sports exhaust system on all 718 models, the already powerful sound of the mid-mounted engine becomes even more intense – at the push of a button. Sports tailpipes in stainless steel with a high-gloss finish in a choice of black or silver colour are optionally available.
Intuitive handling, performance-oriented ergonomics, a clean design. The interior of the new 718 models is also fully geared for sporty performance.
A strong emphasis on the horizontal gives the new dashboard design of the 718 models a striking appearance. And that's without sacrificing the excellent ergonomics for which Porsche is renowned: the ascending center console shortens the reach between the steering wheel and the gear lever/selector, while the clear arrangement of function buttons saves time.
Motorsport in pure form: the new sport steering wheel is derived from the 918 Spyder. The optional GT Sport steering wheel with its smaller diameter further enhances the cockpit feel.
The cluster of three round instruments, with the rev counter positioned in the center and flanked by a 4.6-inch color screen, is a characteristic feature.
The new, fundamentally revised version of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) features a 7-inch multi-touchscreen. With its high-quality glass surface, it is the aesthetically pleasant addition to the center console.
All ideal prerequisites for a sporty, active lifestyle. The details? They're down to you. Choose from a comprehensive selection of personalization options and a new range of materials and colors.
Sport seats
The Sport seats are comfortable and provide support even during performance driving. They come equipped with electric backrest adjustment and mechanical height and fore/aft adjustment.
Fully electric Sport seats
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.
Sport seats Plus
Available as an option are Sport seats Plus in leather with electric backrest adjustment as well as mechanical height and fore/aft adjustment. The side bolsters on the squab and backrest have a firmer, sportier padding and provide even better lateral support.
Adaptive Sport seats Plus
Available on request, adaptive Sport seats Plus reinforce the connection between sport and comfort. As an upgraded version of the Sport seats Plus, they combine all the features of the fully electric Sport seats and add power adjustment of the side bolsters on the squab and backrest.
Seat heating and ventilation
Seat heating is available as an option for all seats. Seat ventilation is also available on request (not for Sport bucket seats or seats with seat centres in Alcantara® or Sport-Tex) – for a pleasant and dry seating environment, even in hot weather.
Climate control
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.
Light design package
The optional light design package is both practical and aesthetically appealing. It comprises dimmable LEDs in various parts of the interior.
A lot can be expected of a genuine sport car. The mid-engine concept of the 718 models impresses not only by delivering superbly agile driving dynamics, but also by affording two luggage compartments.
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. Further convenience is provided, for example, in the form of two compartments in the doors, clothes hooks on the seat backrests and two cupholders above the glove compartment.
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.
Proven in motorsport, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an option.
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.
Rain. Fog. Darkness. Nothing that would faze a genuine athlete. That's why all 718 models are equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.
At the rear, the three-dimensional design of the taillights incorporating four-point brake lights leaves a lasting impression. For powerful illumination, all functions are implemented by LED technology.
The Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), are available as an option.
Specs reflect base model unless otherwise noted.