By: IOL Motoring Staff
Stuttgart, Germany - Porsche has re-invented its entry-level roadster with downsized engines and bold new styling to go with its new nomenclature.
Because, in common with the rest of the Porsche sports-car stable, it now has a model number. Say hello to the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S.
Actually, the number isn't new; it's been borrowed from a classic four-cylinder 'boxer' sports car - perhaps better known as the RSK - that won a lot of races between 1957 and 1962. Which leads us to the new 718's engines; the naturally-aspirated flat sixes of the previous generation have given way to force-fed flat fours.
The 718 has a two-litre turbofour rated for 220kW - 26 more than the six it replaces - backed by 380Nm (a gain of 100Nm) from 1950-4500rpm. That'll take it off the line to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds (almost a second quicker than the previous model) and on to 275km/h.
The 718 Boxter S gets a 2.5 litre turbo boxer with variable turbine geometry that's good for 257kW (also 26kW up) and 420Nm (60Nm more) from 1900-4500rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is disposed of in 4.2 seconds and full tilt boogie is quoted at 285km/h, while both models slurp an estimated 13 percent less fuel - a nominal 6.9 litres per 100km for the 718 and 7.3 for the 718S in the NEDC combined cycle.
Each comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox; a dual-clutch transmission is an option.
SPORTIER CHASSIS SET-UP
The suspension geometry and damping has been re-tuned for more direct response with 10 percent more direct steering. Active suspension management is an option with a 10mm lower ride height and a broader spread of settings range, while the 718 S is now available for the first time with ride height dropped 20mm from standard.
As with 911, the optional Sport Chrono package adds a programmable Individual mode to the active suspension management settings (Normal Sport and Sport Plus) and, if you've ordered the dual-clutch transmission, you get a sport response button, which gives you full-tilt boogie for 20 seconds.
The 718 and 718S Boxsters will be released in South Africa in May 2016; prices, as you'd expect given the recent performance of the local currency, when they get here.
IOL