Lightweight construction, modern design, and turbocharged, four-cylinder, mid-mounted engines express the philosophy behind the legendary Porsche 718 model line: the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman have raced their way to the country. PGA Cars, Inc., the official importer and dealer of Porsche vehicles in Philippines, unveiled the models last week.

The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept, as well as the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars.

Four-cylinder boxer engines have a long tradition at Porsche, and they have enjoyed incredible success ever since their introduction. In the late 1950s, the 718—a successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder—represented the highest configuration level of the four-cylinder boxer engine. The latest example, the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, also has a highly-efficient, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with just 2 liters of displacement.



Whether it was competing at the 12-hour race in Sebring in 1960, or at the European Hill Climb Championship that ran between 1958 and 1961, the Porsche 718 prevailed against numerous competitors with its powerful and efficient four-cylinder boxer engine.

The new two-seat sports cars, which now use the 718 nameplate to pay homage to Porsche’s esteemed model line, are now more powerful, yet more fuel efficient. With them, Porsche continues the tradition of the four-cylinder boxer engines that were used in the Porsche 718 mid-engine sports cars that took first place three times between 1959 and 1960 at the legendary Italian Targa Florio race in Sicily, and scored a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1958 with the 142-hp, four-cylinder Porsche 718 RSK.

The centerpiece of the new model series is the newly developed four-cylinder flat engine with turbo-charging. The 718 Boxster develops 300 horsepower of power from two liters of engine displacement, while the 718 Boxster S attains 350 horsepower from 2.5 liters of displacement. In the S-model, Porsche also uses a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.


The launch of the new 718 Boxster generation represents the first time that Porsche is implementing sports cars with four-cylinder flat engines again since the end of the 1960s. Turbo-charging significantly boosts torque. The two-liter engine of the 718 Boxster has a maximum torque of 380 Nm (100 Nm more), which is available from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The 2.5-liter engine of the 718 Boxster S meanwhile attains 420 Nm (60 Nm more) over a speed range from 1,900 rpm to 4,500 rpm.

Thus, the new 718 Boxster models sprint even faster. The 718 Boxster – with PDK and the Sport Chrono Package – sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds faster). The 718 Boxster S with the same equipment completes this discipline in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster). The top speed of the 718 Boxster is 275 km/h, and the 718 Boxster S has a top speed of 285 km/h.

The 718 model line can be made out at first glance. The front end of the new roadster exhibits a much more sculptural form. The front has a wider and more masculine appearance. The much larger cooling air intakes at the front are a distinct exterior expression of the new turbo engine concept. The front end of the 718 Boxster is rounded out by the new design of the bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option.


From a side view, identifying features of the new model line include new, independently styled wings and side sills. Larger air inlet panels with two fins emphasize the car's dynamic look. The doors are now designed without door handle recess covers. New 19-inch wheels are standard on the 718 Boxster S. 20-inch diameter wheels are available as an option.

The redesigned rear body of the 718 Boxster has a much wider look – especially due to the accent strip with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The entirely redeveloped tail lights are distinguished by their three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights.

In its driving dynamics, the new roadster follows in the tracks of the original 718. The car's completely retuned chassis enhances cornering performance. The electromechanically steering system is configured to be ten per cent more direct. This makes the 718 Boxster even more agile and easier to steer, both on circuit tracks and in everyday traffic.


Available at extra charge for the roadsters is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a ten millimeter lower ride height. For the first time, the PASM sport chassis with a 20 millimeter lower ride height is available as an option for the 718 Boxster S. The active chassis, which has also been retuned, offers an even broader spread between long distance touring comfort and dynamic sporty stiffness.

The same new four-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging as in the 718 Boxster are being deployed in the 718 Cayman. As a result, coupé and roadster have an identical engine output for the first time. For the driver this means a faster sprint time, going from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds (Cayman with PDK and optional Sport Chrono Package).

The new 718 Cayman has been further developed as comprehensively in its design as in its technology. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes at the front and sides and low side profile underscore the boost in dynamics. The nose has a much sharper profile, which gives the front end a wider and more masculine appearance. The ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, which contain the parking lights and indicators, further reinforce this impression. Rounding off the front end of the 718 Cayman, are the significantly larger cooling air intakes and bi-xenon headlights in their new design with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option. Viewed from the side, the new sport coupé reveals its striking wings and side sills. The redesigned rear has a much wider look due to the accent strip in high-gloss black with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The tail lights have been completely redesigned and are distinguished by the three-dimensional technology and four brake spots that appear to float freely.

Inside, revisions are visible for both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The upper part of the dash panel including air vents is new. The new sport steering wheel in the 918 Spyder design has now been added to the 718 cockpit along with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Apple CarPlay is optionally available.

The prices of the 2017 718 Boxster and Cayman are as follows:

• 718 Boxster – P 5,750,000
• 718 Boxster S – P 7,300,000
• 718 Cayman – P 5,950,000
• 718 Cayman S – P 7,600,000