New Boxster: new name, new look 26 | 01 | 2016
PORSCHE'S NEW RENAMED Boxster — Porsche 718 Boxster — has been unveiled for the first time. The newcomer — which is on-sale in Scotland now, with first deliveries scheduled for in April — utilises a new range of turbocharged flat-four engines to deliver more power and better economy,
The new entry model — which takes part of its name from the 718 race car from the 1950s and 60s — gets a 2.0-litre flat-four petrol engine with 296bhp: the 718 Boxster S will use a 2.5-litre flat-four with 345bhp. Prices start at £41,739 and climb to £50,695 for the S.
The decision to downsize to four-cylinders was always intended to boost fuel economy. As a result, the standard 718 Boxster will return 40.9mpg at the pumps, with the S — according to Porsche — achieving 38.7mpg.
Worth highlighting that's an improvement of 5mpg and 4.3mpg respectively over the pre-facelift car; and significantly, both engines are also 35bhp more powerful than their previous six-cylinder counterparts.
Both models come with the choice of a standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox: the auto has been updated with new software which provides added fuel-saving potential.
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According to Porsche, the 718 Boxster has a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec and a 171mph top speed when fitted with the optional PDK gearbox: that's 0.9sec and 5mph respectively better than its predecessor. The 718 Boxster S has claimed figures of 4.2sec and 177mph, in the process beating the official 0-62mph time of the 380bhp 3.8-litre six-cylinder Cayman GT4 by 0.2sec.
The new Boxster is instantly identifiable from the outside. Larger air intakes at the front sit at a flatter angle than the previous model, plus there's thinner LED light strips and sharp new headlights. And in addition to the larger 19in alloys, there's larger vents on the sides, plus stylishly sleek door handles.
The most prominent design changes are at the rear, where redesigned taillights and the movement of the Porsche badge to fit below the small spoiler make the Boxster look wider and more aggressive. The illusion is further enhanced by the introduction of what Porsche calls an 'accent strip' that runs between the lights.
Inside the cabin, not much has changed. The clock as been moved higher on the dashboard, there's a new steering wheel and some new air vents.
Both models get the normal Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes. But there's now also an Individual setting and a new Sport Response button on the dash. This latest addition makes the engine and gearbox even more responsive. Optional Porsche Active Suspension Management lowers the car by 10mm, and 20mm on the S.
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Jim McGill