Set to debut at the Geneva Auto Show with a new look, new engines and new designation, the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster and its sportier 718 Boxster S sibling have been revealed. Porsche teased the remakes late last year when it also confirmed the Boxster’s coupe cousin Cayman would receive a similar revamp.
Turbocharged 4-cylinder engines bow
Paying homage to the mid-engine 4-cylinder Porsche 718 race cars of the mid-1950’s, these new 718 Boxster variants swap their current 2.7-liter and 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engines in favor of all-new turbocharged flat-fours. The 718 Boxster is fitted with a 2.0-liter version that makes 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque — compared to the 265/207 stats of the engine it replaces. In addition to offering significantly enhanced fuel economy, the new turbo-four takes the 781 Boxster from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds when the standard 6-speed manual is replaced by the available 7-speed PDK automatic and a Sport Chrono Package. That makes it 0.7 of a second quicker than a 2016 Boxster and adds 8 mph to its top speed, which now is 170 mph.
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Motivating the new 718 Boxster S is an even more potent 2.5-liter that develops 350 horses and 309 units of peak twist, also over the same broad rev range as the 2.0-liter. Teamed with the PDK/Sport Chrono combo, it takes the S-spec car from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds – a 0.5 second drop – while bumping top speed from 172 to 177 mph.
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To fully exploit this new muscle, the 718 Boxster and Boxster S each feature retuned suspensions and recalibrated electric power steering that’s 10 percent more “direct” than before. The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management also has been reworked to provide better ride while also increases its ability to lower ride height from 10 to 20 millimeters on Boxster S models.
Edgier look
The new 718 Boxster and Boxster S also sport a number of distinctive exterior enhancements that start with bolder fascia treatments. Bigger air intakes up front hint at the turbo power within and are flanked by redrawn bi-xenon headlamps with LED running lights which can be upgraded to full LED headlamps with 4-point DRLs. The lower/wider-look rear gains similar presence courtesy of new 3D-look taillamps and 4-point brake lights. Even the profile is sweetened thanks to a subtle redrawing of the fenders along with revised side intakes and tidier door handles. The 718 Boxster S also wears new 19-inch alloy wheels with 20-inch rims as an option. Inside, these 718 Boxsters feature an upgraded dash and an improved Porsche Communication Management setup. In addition to cell phone preparation, audio interfaces and the 110-watt Sound Package Plus, buyers can add a navigation module with voice control as well as Connect Plus that provides a wide range of online services. The 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster will start at $57,050 while the Porsche 718 Boxster S is set to open at $69,450. Both are due in showrooms here this June.
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