Porsche’s sibling revelry
Rightfully, German super carmaker Porsche never lets you forget about its storied racing heritage. Each vehicle coming out of the hallowed production line can truly trace roots to the track while still serving up everyday docility as well. Such is certainly the case in the so-called 718 – expressed today in either roadster (Boxster) or coupé form (Cayman).
The 718 nomenclature first emerged in 1953 as a racecar that marked the evolution of the 550A. With its engine mounted amidships, the four-cylinder, 1.5-liter 718 enjoyed successes over its bigger-displacement rivals then – notching wins in Targa Florio (held in the mountains of Sicily), the 12 Hours of Sebring, the European Hill Climb Championship, and even the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Last week, PGA Cars, Inc. locally unveiled the Boxster and Cayman – touting them as worthy inheritors of the 718 badge. In a speech, Porsche Asia Pacific managing director Martin Limpert said that the pair are “carrying on the fighting spirit of the original Porsche 718 with inspired pride and fierce conviction.”
Pointing to the legacy of the 718 isn’t a marketing gimmick, but a true reflection of the ethos. Porsche now nixes the flat six of the previous generation of the Boxster and Cayman in favor of a turbocharged four. Now, that may sound ludicrous on its face – until you glean the output figures. A base 2.0-liter engine yields 300hp, while S versions feature a 2.5-liter power plant good for 350 horses. Couple this with a frugal thirst of up to 14.5 kilometers per liter, and you get the best of both worlds – more bang for the buck, indeed.
This all happens while improving the driving performance of the 718 machines. Explained Porsche Asia Pacific regional sales manager Alexander Schuchert: “The completely new chassis tuning once again improves the cornering performance of the mid-engine sports cars, resulting in more agility, stability and of course, driving fun. An even sportier and more dynamic driving experience (is realized) through an enhanced optional Sport Chrono package, including the Mode Switch and Sport response button in the optional GT Sports Steering wheel, which we know of from the Porsche 918 Spyder, aside from the optional PASM sports chassis lowered by 20 millimeters for the Boxster S.”
The compact package of the new, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine also harkens the more recent developments in Porsche’s sterling motorsports credentials – a history that spans more than 60 years and an incredible 30,000 wins. If you may recall, Porsche notched its 18th win (the most by any manufacturer) in this year’s staging of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Stuttgart-headquartered brand kept its date with destiny via its 919 Hybrid – a cutting-edge vehicle that, according to Porsche, is a “result of a carefully balanced overall concept. From the combustion engine to the energy recovery systems, chassis and running gear, aerodynamics and driver ergonomics, the sum of all individual components forms an exceptionally effective unit. It all serves one goal: a maximum of sporty performance within tight fuel economy constraints.” Making this possible is a compact 2.0-liter V4 and an electric motor which blurt out an astounding 900hp. The composite monocoque-fitted vehicle speeds from standstill to 100kph in 2.2 seconds and to 200kph in 4.8 ticks.
If you recall, I was also able to test a 911 Carrera S that had a similar number of cylinders, was turbo-boosted, and effectively put to rest worries about diminished performance. So, clearly, neither smaller displacement nor the reduced number of cylinders have hindered Porsche’s engineers from realizing awesomeness.
Turbocharging the new generation of engines in the 718 have significantly boosted torque – with the 2.0-liter variant notching 380Nm (up 100 from the previous generation), available from low rev rates of 1,950 to 4,500rpm. In the 2.5-liter engine, the figure is bumped up by 60 to reach 420Nm.
A timer should confirm this as well. The 718s – with PDK and the Sport Chrono Package – can sprint from standstill to 100kph in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds quicker than before); while the S variants reach the rate in 4.2 ticks (0.6 seconds better than the previous model). The top speed of the 718 is 275 kph; the 718 S models promise 285 kph.
Further hammering on the so-called Porsche Intelligent Performance – a mantra and philosophy that gives rise to innovative vehicle concepts – are completely retuned chasses in the Boxster and Cayman for “even more dynamic cornering with enhanced comfort.”
Within, the 718’s banner the upgradeable Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with mobile phone connectivity, other audio interfaces, and a Sound Package Plus with 150 watts of power.
From the outside, the 718 models are clearly new, with sculpted, more athletic looks. The enlarged cooling air intakes at the front are not merely for show, but indicate the new turbo philosophy. Viewed from the side, the 718’s have redesigned wings and side sills, and boast larger air inlet panels with two fins. The rear fascia meanwhile projects a wider stance. Reimagined taillights showcase three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights.
And, yes, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of these sassy-looking siblings, so I totally feel you.