Porsche revives 718 name for new Boxster and Cayman

The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will be the new names of the two-door mid-engine sports cars from Porsche, effective with the introduction of the 2016 models.

The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer's 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car of this type of the year 1957, which enjoyed much success in renowned car races of the period. The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. In the late 1950s, the 718 - a successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder - represented the highest configuration level of the four-cylinder flat engine.

In the future, both the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will have equally powerful flat four-cylinder 'boxer' engines with turbocharging. And the roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupe - as is the case for the 911 models.

Porsche will introduce the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman over the course of 2016.