Porsche Introduces 718 Marque to Their Mid-Engines

Porsche AG this week made public their plans to add the 718 marque to their mid-engine sports cars along with launching an all-new flat four-cylinder turbo engine. The iconic 718 moniker derives from the late 1950s victorious four-cylinder mid-engine 718 RSK race machine that was the successor to the early ‘50s 550 Spyder.

The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman sharing the same numerical name will now have more uniform styling and technology throughout the 718 model line. MSRP hasn’t been released, however Porsche let us know the Roadster will have a higher price point than the Coupe.

The development of the new Porsche four-cylinder engine has been in the works for years with the Porsche Racing Department competing in Le Mans and WEC using their 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car. Porsche tells us their 919 Hybrid, which uses two different types of energy capturing systems, is one of the most technologically advanced race cars they’ve ever built. The research from racing the 919’s hybrid four-cylinder unit laid the foundation for the 718’s four-cylinder unit coming to life.

No direct mention of the hybrid tech being incorporated, but Porsche does say, “[The 919 Hybrid] serves as a platform to further fundamental technology research for future production models.”

There is some positive reinforcement that the 718 will have hybrid tech soon, maybe not when it first releases, but wait patiently while Porsche trickles down more racing tech through the years.

Our sister site MotorAuthority got the inside scoop on specifications. MA says the turbo four is projected to have around 286 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. And a 2.5-liter unit is rumored for top S models with a rough estimate of 360 HP and 347 lb-ft of torque.

Over the next year Porsche will be releasing the newly badged 718 Boxsters and 718 Caymans, though real dates and prices are yet to be announced. We’ll let you know when we know, so stay tuned.

Till then, let’s chat. Is it the right time for Porsche to be adding marques to established models? With all the name changing and rebadging of models around the industry, do you think Porsche is making the smart move or just adding weight with a new badge?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Via [MotorAuthority]