Here It is! The New 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster!
The long anticipated wait is over for the 2017 Porsche as Porsche has released the first official images of the new roadster. Power is up, efficiency is up, but as we all know, two cylinders are gone. Drawing inspiration from Porsche’s late 50’s 4-cylinder racer, the 718 nameplate has been resurrected for their new 4-cylinder sports car.
The new turbocharged flat-four engines are stronger than their flat-six predecessors, with the Boxster and Boxster S up 35 horsepower from their previous generations. The 2.0 liter engine in the Boxster will have 300 horsepower, and the Boxster S will have 350. This means acceleration figures are up, with the 0-60 sprint for the Boxster completed at 4.5 seconds and the Boxster S in a fierce 4.0 seconds. Going to a smaller displacement four cylinder will increase efficiency, upwards of 13%, Porsche claims.
Also new for the 718 Boxster will be a PDK with a feature called “virtual gears,” a process by which the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission will engage two gears at a time, while slipping both clutches a specified amount leading to another “gear” ratio between the mechanical ratios. This feature was available first on the 991/2. Fret not, purists, as a 6-speed manual transmission is still a standard feature.
Styling characteristics are usual from Porsche. They aren’t a very far departure from the previous model, as they give a distinctive Porsche look, but despite the similarity, it wears all new skin.
Width seems to be the emphasis, because as you can see up front, larger and wider air intakes are a distinguishing feature which is needed for extra cooling of the turbocharged engine.
Additionally, full LED headlight technology is available for the first time. Out back, the Porsche insignia is placed on an accent which braces the tail lights. Those tail lights are also LED and add further depth by being three dimensional in design.
The usual things you expect from a nimble Boxster have also been improved. Retuned chassis rigidity, combined with a more direct electromechanical steering system is said to bring a much more direct feel to the car.
Combined with the optional PASM, or Porsche Active Stability Management, a more noticeable difference is promised when switching between modes for touring, and modes for more spirited driving dynamics.
Inside the Boxster will be as enjoyable as ever with an available Sport Chrono package designed to let drivers configure the responsiveness of their Boxster exactly the way they like it.
Additionally, for those of us who need to stay connected, with Porsche Communication Management standard. Options to expand this are available to include voice recognition for navigation, and Connect Plus which takes advantage of additional on-line services.
We expect to see the first shipment arrive in late summer with MSRP of standard models at $56,000 for the Boxster and $68,400 for the Boxster S.
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