While new to the Boxster, the 718 moniker isn't new to the sports carmaker because the nameplate was used for a 1950s sports car that also featured horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines.
Although the past bears some similarities with the present, there is no denying that the 718 isn't as convenient to roll off our tongues as the flagship 911. But that doesn't mean the 718 Boxster is an improper Porsche sports car.
Knowing that the best suit to put on is confidence, the car that you see here, as a matter of fact, is more Porsche than you can imagine.
What's the story, morning glory?
Unlike its naturally aspirated 3.4-litre predecessor that had a flat-six residing underneath its bonnet, the 718 Boxster S has two cylinders lesser and sports an engine displacement of just 2.5-litres. And it's now turbocharged. The differences, fortunately, do not stop there.
Although the past bears some similarities with the present, there is no denying that the 718 isn't as convenient to roll off our tongues as the flagship 911. But that doesn't mean the 718 Boxster is an improper Porsche sports car.
Knowing that the best suit to put on is confidence, the car that you see here, as a matter of fact, is more Porsche than you can imagine.
What's the story, morning glory?
Unlike its naturally aspirated 3.4-litre predecessor that had a flat-six residing underneath its bonnet, the 718 Boxster S has two cylinders lesser and sports an engine displacement of just 2.5-litres. And it's now turbocharged. The differences, fortunately, do not stop there.
Comparing spec sheets, the new Boxster is all about positive readings over its replacement. It now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of twisting force to the hind wheels - up from 315bhp and 360Nm - and will smash the century sprint timing in just 4.2 seconds, which is almost a second faster than its predecessor.
As a result, pick up from the line is lightning fast. All seven gears from the PDK automatic transmission shift with high levels of urgency yet seamlessly and accurately. Look far ahead, put your foot down on the right pedal and before you know it, everything around you becomes a blur, accompanied by an obnoxious but pleasurable mechanical symphony coming from behind your ears.
As a result, pick up from the line is lightning fast. All seven gears from the PDK automatic transmission shift with high levels of urgency yet seamlessly and accurately. Look far ahead, put your foot down on the right pedal and before you know it, everything around you becomes a blur, accompanied by an obnoxious but pleasurable mechanical symphony coming from behind your ears.
How's it like on our roads?
It's the best of both worlds, this 718. The car is certainly right at home on the track, as what we've experienced during our time with it at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, and it doesn't disappoint around town and between traffic on our roads either.
The car feels a whole lot more refined compared to before. Regardless of the driving mode you choose (from the 918 Spyder-inspired rotary dial on the steering wheel), the 718 is never jittery or unforgiving even on badly cracked tarmac.
Such creature comforts, as well as ample torque, do the necessary job of boosting your confidence, allowing you to zip in and out of traffic and performing overtaking manoeuvres in a car that costs some $316,588 (without COE and as of 8th September 2016) without having the need to feel fearful.
And when the time calls for aggression and a little hooliganism, you can press the 'Sport Response' button on the aforementioned rotary dial to activate the powertrain's Sport Plus calibration for 20 seconds. It's also at this time when you start to realise how much satisfaction the 718 can give you around a track.
It's the best of both worlds, this 718. The car is certainly right at home on the track, as what we've experienced during our time with it at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, and it doesn't disappoint around town and between traffic on our roads either.
The car feels a whole lot more refined compared to before. Regardless of the driving mode you choose (from the 918 Spyder-inspired rotary dial on the steering wheel), the 718 is never jittery or unforgiving even on badly cracked tarmac.
Such creature comforts, as well as ample torque, do the necessary job of boosting your confidence, allowing you to zip in and out of traffic and performing overtaking manoeuvres in a car that costs some $316,588 (without COE and as of 8th September 2016) without having the need to feel fearful.
And when the time calls for aggression and a little hooliganism, you can press the 'Sport Response' button on the aforementioned rotary dial to activate the powertrain's Sport Plus calibration for 20 seconds. It's also at this time when you start to realise how much satisfaction the 718 can give you around a track.
Everything about the car, as well as your senses, are heightened during this 20 seconds and the only thing that's holding you back from executing track-style driving behaviour on public roads is the need to keep your licence from being revoked.
'Nuff said. I want to get one
Undoubtedly, you should. As much as we can appreciate an accomplished car like the 911, the 718 costs almost $200,000 lesser without compromising on driveability.
Of course at this price, there are other more affordable and respectable cars you can consider but none of them comes close to the sure signs of the incredible progress, confidence and abilities of the Boxster S.
The 718 Boxster S may have lost a couple of cylinders and downsized its engine but it sure knows how to punch above its weight.
'Nuff said. I want to get one
Undoubtedly, you should. As much as we can appreciate an accomplished car like the 911, the 718 costs almost $200,000 lesser without compromising on driveability.
Of course at this price, there are other more affordable and respectable cars you can consider but none of them comes close to the sure signs of the incredible progress, confidence and abilities of the Boxster S.
The 718 Boxster S may have lost a couple of cylinders and downsized its engine but it sure knows how to punch above its weight.
