IMHO, it's damn near impossible to judge sound quality based on YouTube clips heard through computer speakers. For example, this one isn't nearly as bad as most and, thus, is very different from YouTube clips that sound like a Subaru with a dead cylinder:
And then there's this from the guys who've either stood next to the car or ridden in one or more: http://blog.caranddriver.com/tech-di...ged-flat-fours

"It Won’t Sound Like a Subaru. (Emphasis in original text). Speaking of exhaust, the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S, in standard guises, use similar exhaust layouts, albeit with a single outlet on the base car and two outlets on the S. A dual-mode sports exhaust with electronically actuated baffles is optional on both. No matter the exhaust fitted, the piping splits after the catalytic converter, routes around the transmission and over the rear suspension, through left- and right-hand mufflers, and into a shared outlet. Porsche also fits a resonance tube between the two mufflers, which combined with the unequal-length left- and right-hand exhaust plumbing, could be the key to the 718’s distinctly non-crappy exhaust sound. The noise certainly isn’t a flat-six’s song, but it’s a compelling and surprisingly mechanical melody for something many worried would be muffled by a turbo." (Again, emphasis in the original text.)

 

Agree. But wonder who will be buying them. Knowledgable enthusiasts, or millennials with sme money who just have to have a Porsche. I know when I bought my BMW 2002 in 1972 and other 3 series cars, I knew what I was buying and what wonderful cars they were. Go to the mall or market and look at who's driving them. Enthusiasts or folks with $$ who just must have a BMW.

 

First the 718's hateful little Subaru engine and then the 918 VIP crap. Porsche is becoming less and less appealing to me lately.

 

Porsche needs to do more than appeal to the nostalgia of elderly men if it wants to maintain long term success, and it's clear the 718 is a step in that direction and that small displacement turbo engines are the future of sports cars. At least until it all goes entirely electric.

Millennials were born into an era where some of the hottest street scene cars were Hondas with 4-cylinder engines, and a turbo 4 or comparisons to a Subaru doesn't bother most Gen X or Gen Y enthusiasts who generally respect the imports even if they don't drive them.

 

Couldn't agree more. I just don't like the trend. Especially since I'm one of those nostalgic old men you refer to.

 

I absolutely loved my Subaru WRX STi. It was probably the best car I've ever owned. And I'm very excited for the new 718 Cayman despite it having a turbo "4-banger"! I just hope the rear end is a little nicer looking than the 718 Boxster...

 

It looks like I'll keep what I have. When I do buy another Porsche it looks like it will be a 911. Buying a new Boxster with a 4 cylinder seems like I would be downgrading. I want to upgrade. It has more power but I can't see buying it now. Anyway.....

 

Porsche has already stated that the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman going forward will look identical and will have the same performance numbers. Price will also be higher for the Boxster over the Cayman.

 

Evo posted a preview video of the 718, mostly rehashing known info. However there are some sound clips at the end starting at 4:20

 

 

Top Gear's review is out as well.

http://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/7...16/first-drive

The car itself is objectively improved in every metric(speed, efficiency, handling, interior, tech), but subjectively moving from N/A six to turbo 4 has killed the soul a bit. No one seems happy with the sound either.

Basically, if you have never experienced a Boxster before, you'd be thrilled driving this new one, but those who've experienced a 981, it's going to be a bit of a let down in some respects. Even happier with GT4 my purchase now.

For those in the market for a 718, if you can score a Boxster GTS or Spyder now, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

 

Here is a good clip for sound
this clip it has the sports exhaust. Better than any other clip I have heard.

 

cooling/reliability concerns aside - i'm pretty 718 is a great sports car package.
but boy does it sound lame

so much far from mine 987.2's :

 

That future is already here; the manufacturers other than Tesla just haven't figured it out yet.

 

Nice! PSE or another sports exhaust?