Porsche 718 Boxster First Drive

By Arison Knapp - December 22, 2015

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Deep in the frozen north end of Canada, Porsche AG recently had their world press introduction event of their new reimagined, forced induction, mid-engine 718 Boxster. CAR’s Georg Kacher was one of the few to sample the first batch of 718 Boxsters to set rubber in North America, so let’s get behind the wheel with him.

Although Kacher says the weather prevented the full testing experience, he was still able to get a solid feeling through the sexy 718 examples provided by Porsche. And he is a big fan. Let’s go through some of the highlights of his “7 things we learned from winter testing” list.

The all-new turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine options take the spotlight. Out with the slow sixes and in with the feisty turbo flat fours. Both the 2.0-liter base model and 2.5-liter S model have contemporary competitive combustion technology like direct injection, variable valve timing, and a variable-vane turbocharger.

The overall average reduction of fuel consumption that comes with losing two cylinders is around 15 percent. Impressive with such good horsepower gains. The base produces 300 HP and 266 lb-ft of torque, while the S model kicks up a throaty 340 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque.

More driving character and dynamics from enhanced componentry and electronics are another high point. Kacher states Porsche’s mid-generation refresh also included major mechanical retooling, which included gripper tires, wider rear wheels, modified suspension, bigger brakes, recalibrated stability control, and faster-acting power steering.

The final, most important thing, is that now the 718 will follow in the footsteps of the 911 pricing, where the cabrios are more expensive.

What are your thoughts on the next generation of Porsche four-cylinder flat engines? Do you think it is the right car, time, and displacement? How do you feel about the model line transitioning from naturally aspirated sixes to forced induction fours?