Cars

Porsche reboxes the Boxster

Porsche 718 Boxster (2016)
Porsche 718 Boxster (2016) Porsche 718 Boxster (2016)

PORSCHE has given its popular and - let's call a spade a spade - brilliant Boxster roadster the most significant overhaul in the 20 years since it first applied the name to one of its mid-engined roadsters, writes William Scholes.

There's a new name, for a start. No longer is it simply a Boxster; instead, Porsche would prefer us to call it the 718 Boxster.

But the biggest change is beneath the engine cover. Out go six-cylinder boxer powerplants, and in come all-new downsized four-cylinder turbo boxer engines with more power, more torque and greater efficiency.

A turbocharged 2.0-litre unit with 296bhp powers the 718 Boxster, with a 2.5-litre engine with 345bhp motivating the 718 Boxster S; in both cases, power is up 35bhp on the outgoing models.

The 718 Boxter's torque is 280lb/ft, up 74lb/ft on the car it replaces. The 718 Boxster S's figures are 310lb/ft, a gain of 44lb/ft on its predecessors.

The 2.0-litre sprints from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds - 0.8 seconds quicker - and the 2.5-litre reaches the benchmark in 4.2 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster. Top speeds are 170mph and 177mph respectively.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, though a double-clutch PDK automatic unit can be ordered.

Suspension and brakes have been further tuned and while the luggage compartment lids, windscreen and roof remain unchanged, the rest of the exterior has been revised. Inside is a new dashboard with the latest touchscreen technology.

The 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S are available to order now, with the first deliveries due before the summer.

A 718 Boxster costs from £41,739 and a 718 Boxster S from £50,695.