Jet Jockey

GregWormald

The 718 (in my understanding) was not intended to be a complete change but it is sure more than the usual "update". According to Porsche the 718 has few parts in common with earlier models so there are a huge number of changes. Some like them, some dislike a few, nearly everybody rates the 718 as the best car in its class.

Reviews--video and otherwise--are all over the 'net and I'd advise some reading before settling on a particular car.

With the GT4 and Spyder still unreleased, the next new model may well be 2020. I'm guessing, but the pointers are that any advance on the 718 may well be hybrid.

iliveoncaffiene

Usually car companies operate on a tick-tock release schedule. Big change, facelift, big change, facelift, etc.
The 718 was a "big change" in which a majority of the parts changed.. I don't expect a new model until after the 992 release (2019, 2020), and even then, I doubt it will be more than a facelift with the same or similar engine (minor tuning maybe).
P.S. You're hardly a newbie: "Join Date: May 2005"

manifold danger

It's a huge change. The driving dynamics have been completely overhauled. The suspension geometry, steering, and braking has been updated as well, and the new engine's contrast to the outgoing 6 makes it feel almost like a completely different car.

That said, it still looks and feels pretty much the same from an aesthetics and interior perspective. Except the steering wheel. The new steering wheel is a substantial upgrade, and a lot of folks have actually looked into or gone through with swapping it in their 981s. To me, it actually made a difference in the driving experience so it's worth noting; your hands come in direct contact with the steering wheel the entire time you're driving the car. My first Porsche was a Macan, which has the new wheel. I'm not a fan of older Porsche steering wheels; and my 981 has the SportDesign wheel. If it didn't cost $1500+ for the wheel and associated harnesses I'd have done the swap already. Ok, enough about the steering wheel.

I'd strongly advise driving both a 981 and 982 on an extensive test drive. They're different enough to attract different types of buyers. Most of what would draw someone to the 981 is subjective; the 982 is unquestionably a more capable car.

Any major changes from here are still several years out, unless you count the aforementioned GT4/Spyder.

Jet Jockey

Thank you all for your answers.

CaymanSinAR

I'm always tempted to tell a new-to-Porsche potential Boxster/Cayman owner to drive the 982 and never look back. The 982 is the better car in every way but one. It is faster everywhere, better looking (subjective, I know), has a better steering wheel, better interior, and better multimedia interface. It's just better.

But damn the crescendo wail of that naturally aspirated flat six.

I drove the 981 first...