Model year: from 2016 Production units: 45,655 (last updated on December 31, 2019)
20 years after the debut of the first Boxster, Porsche unveiled its new mid-engine roadster in January 2016. The new model generation was called 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S. With these models, Porsche continued the tradition of the four-cylinder boxer engines used in the 718 mid-engine sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s. A newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine was used to power the new generation: the 718 Boxster delivered 220 kW (300 PS) from a displacement of two litres, the 718 Boxster S had an output of 257 kW (350 PS) from a displacement of 2.5 litres, and the 718 Boxster GTS later even generated 269 kW (366 PS). Turbocharging resulted in a significant increase in torque. The two-litre engine in the 718 Boxster achieved a torque of 380 newton metres in the engine speed range from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm, corresponding to 100 newton metres more. The 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Boxster S even achieved 420 newton metres and thus 60 newton metres more in an engine speed range between 1,900 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Porsche also equipped the S model with a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. By using this technology in the 718 Boxster S as well as in the 911 Turbo, Porsche was therefore the only manufacturer to offer this technology in production vehicles with petrol engines. Both the significant increase in power of the new Boxster models by 35 PS in each case and also the efficiency were impressive compared with the previous Boxster models: the new models consumed up to 13 percent less fuel. The 718 models were equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The Porsche dual-clutch transmission PDK was now also optionally available with fuel-saving virtual gears.
The newly tuned chassis and reinforced brakes guaranteed emotive and sporty driving pleasure. The new 982 generation also came with comprehensive design enhancements: the vehicle was completely revamped, right up to the luggage compartment lid, windscreen and convertible top. In the interior, the cockpit was framed by a newly designed dashboard. In the side view, the new generation could be recognised by the unique, newly designed wings and sills. Larger air intake trims with two slats emphasised the dynamic appearance. New 19-inch wheels were standard on the 718 Boxster S, and wheels with a diameter of 20 inches were also optionally available. For the model year 2020, Porsche added a new GTS model to the 718 Boxster model series. The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 delivers 294 kW (400 PS) and, in contrast to the other models, comes with a six-cylinder naturally-aspirated boxer engine with a displacement of 4 litres. The flagship model is the 718 Boxster Spyder, which even delivers 309 kW (420 PS).
Boxster conclusion: image of the 911 successfully transferred to the Boxster.
Even 25 years after it was first launched, the Boxster remains an integral part of the Porsche model range. It is characterised by outstanding driving dynamics, supreme handling and maximum driving pleasure on country roads, while at the same time offering suitability for long-distance driving. Horst Marchart, the former Executive Board member responsible for Development, sums up as follows: “It is great to see that both the 911 and the Boxster have established themselves. And the Boxster is even more attractive today than back then.”
