New Porsche Boxster makes its debut, revives 718 name

Porsche has unveiled the latest generation of Boxster, featuring a facelift and an all-new engine that promises more power, greater fuel efficiency and further improved handling.

Set to be publicly revealed at the Geneva motor show, the new Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S come two decades after their first ever predecessor was introduced. At the heart of the latest generation of Porsche’s mid-range roadsters is the newly developed, turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine that packs in 300 horsepower from two litres of displacement for the 718 Boxster. The 718 Boxster S, on the other hand, uses a 2.5 litre engine that translates to hefty 350 horsepower.

The German carmaker says it revived the 718 badge to pay homage to the flat-four cylinder engines that were used in the mid-engine sports cars, which won numerous races back in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

While using turbocharged flat-fours will undoubtedly be panned by purists, automobile magazine Road & Track says that Porsche can cleverly justify it with the 718 nameplate and leverage on the car’s history. Despite its size, the 718 was one of Porsche’s most successful early race cars, says Road & Track. Its nimble handling made up for the power produced by its contenders such as the V12 Ferraris.

Porsche says the new 718 Boxster range also stays true to its driver-focused characteristics. It comes with a standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but owners can opt for the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK, which now features fuel-saving virtual gears.

While more powerful compared to the previous Boxster model, the new range does not sacrifice fuel efficiency. Porsche says the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S are up to 14 percent more efficient than their predecessors, according to the New European Driving Cycle. EPA fuel economy figures will be available at a later date.

The 2016 Porsche 718 Boxster and Boxster S also boast of new and improved exteriors, according to the German carmaker. Immediately recognisable is the vehicle’s rescuplted fascia, which sports a wider and more muscular appearance. Porsche says everything has been changed, save for the luggage compartment lids, the windshield and the convertible top.

The Porsche 718 Boxster and Boxster S, will be available in the UK in April and reach US dealers in late June. Australian customers can order the new Porsche 718 models now, with deliveries slated to begin in the middle of the year. The 2016 Porsche 718 Boxster is priced at AU$113,100, while the Porsche 718 Boxster S comes for AU$143,400, according to Performance Drive.