The New Porsche 718 Boxter Is Bolder and Better than Ever

Bringing more power to the people, the new Porsche 718 Boxter and 718 Boxter S integrate the brand’s latest performance innovations while giving a numerical nod to the marque’s history. The bolstered roadsters are named after a paragon of Porsche, the 718 mid-engine racer (built from 1957 through 1962) that won its class multiple times at Le Mans and took first overall at the European Hill Climb Championship in 1958 and 1959.

The new namesakes beat the previous Boxter models in the automotive trifecta of power, performance, and fuel-efficiency. With 35 more horses than before, the standard model’s 300 hp, 2-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine generates 280 ft lbs of torque (a 36-percent increase) and a top speed of 170 mph, while benefitting by a 14-percent improvement in fuel consumption. Acceleration has ramped up as well, with the ability to fire from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds (with PDK shifting and the Sport Chrono Package)—a time that is .07 seconds faster than before. Numbers for the 718 Boxter S are a notch above. Thanks to its 350 hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, it cranks out 309 ft lbs of torque and can reach 177 mph while tackling zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.

Aesthetic and aerodynamic enhancements include a widened body design and accentuated athletic stance made even more pronounced by the optional 20-inch wheels. Also evident are the enlarged air intakes, stylized side wings and sills, and revamped rear fascia.

Improved cornering and overall handling comes from the convertible’s retuned suspension and an electric steering system that reflects a 10-percent pick-up in precision. In addition, the optional Porsche Active Suspension System (PASM) offers a 10-millimeter reduction in ride height (a 20-millimeter reduction is also available for the S).

Inside the open-top turbo, connectivity comes easily with the touchscreen Porsche Communication Management (PCM) console for smartphone and entertainment accessibility, including a 110-watt sound system. Already available for purchase, base prices for the 718 Boxter and 718 Boxter S are $56,000 and $68,400, respectively. First deliveries in the United States are expected by the end of June.

If you want to try it before you buy it, Porsche will launch an online contest on February 25. The person who creates the best racecourse design will win a round-trip flight to England and the opportunity to race a 718 Boxter on the Silverstone Circuit with professional instruction.

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