Porsche has officially unveiled the first pictures, details and prices for its hotly-anticipated new Boxster range.
Designated the 718 as a hat-tip to the 1957 Porsche 718 race car, the new Boxster is powered by all-new turbocharged flat-four engines, mounted in the middle of the car like the original 718.
As before, two models are on offer: the entry-level Boxster, which comes with a 2.0-litre 296bhp engine while the hotter Boxster S gets 345bhp courtesy of a larger 2.5-litre motor.
Downsized turbo-four engines
Compared with the previous Boxster, the new 718 models gain up to 35 horsepower and 13 per cent improvement in economy thanks to the same variable vane turbochargers as in the new 911 range.
Despite the downsized engines, the Boxster can sprint from 0-62mph in as little as 4.7 seconds, while the Boxster S can reach it in 4.2 seconds. Both models can now also return up to 38.7mpg on the combined cycle.
Each 718 model comes equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, though buyers can also specify Porsche’s seven-speed PDK automatic for a slight increase in cost.
Porsche has also re-tuned the car’s chassis to enhance cornering performance, added uprated brakes for more stopping power and tweaked the power steering for more accuracy.
Optional extras include Active Suspension Management, a Sport Chassis setup which lowers ride height by up to 20mm, and the same Sport Chrono Package as the 911 to increase responsiveness.
Aesthetically, the new Boxster models are set apart with a wider appearance, which incorporates larger cooling air intakes on the front and bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.
Uprated chassis, bold new looks
Puffed-up wheel arches and larger air inlets on the side further emphasise the Boxster’s dynamic look, while LED tail-lights and a choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels complete the exterior updates.
Inside, the Boxster features a completely redesigned dash panel, along with the Porsche Communication Management touchscreen infotainment system as standard and optional sat-nav.
Available to order now, prices for the new Porsche 718 Boxster start from £41,739 for the entry-level Boxster, while the Boxster S is priced from £50,695.
