Hoping to leverage cachet from its fabled 4-cylinder 718 RSK models introduced in the late 1950’s, Porsche has announced the upcoming Boxster and Cayman will be renamed the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. The change will take place effective with the 2016 models in Europe, which will arrive here sometime next year as 2017s. At that time, both will gain styling revisions and swap their existing mid-mounted flat-6 engines for new single-turbo flat-4 unit.
Also: See the New and Redesigned Cars of 2016
While few other details have been released at this time, the force-fed engine is expected to displace 2.0-liters and crank out about 240 horses in base form for the U.S. market while developing closer to 300 in GTS guise. Porsche has confirmed the recast 718 Boxster and Cayman will display more visual similarities than the current versions and that the updated Boxster will be priced above the Cayman, reflecting the positioning occupied by the 911 Coupe and Cabriolet. The new models may bow as soon as next March at the Geneva Auto Show.
Also: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards of 2016
For those a bit light on their Porsche history, the 718 RSK was the successor to the classic 550 A Spyder. Introduced in 1957 and built in limited numbers until 1962, the Porsche 718 RSK was powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-4 engine. Produced in several forms, these roadstsers racked up an enviable track record that included a first in class and third overall at Le Mans in 1958 and an outright win at the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring. It also took five drivers to titles in the European Hill Climb Championship and garnered numerous other competition victories.
More Porsche News…
2017 Porsche 911 Targa4 and Targa 4S pack new 3.0-liter turbocharged engines
2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S – more power and more presence
The hot, new 2017 Porsche Macan GTS will be arriving here in March
POPULAR AT KBB.COM
