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Porsche's new 718 Boxster for SA: All the details

Cape Town - In the twenty years since its debut, the Porsche Boxster has established itself as the benchmark roadster.

A new generation of Porsche's mid-engined two-seater is headed for South Africa powered by a newly-developed range of flat four-cylinder ‘boxer’ turbo engines.

At the same time, a new model designation is introduced; 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S.

Porsche's new 718 Boxster will arrive locally in May 2016.

Power

The new 718 Boxster represents a return to four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines for Porsche. The new 2.0-litre unit produces 220kW/380Nm while the 718 Boxster S is powered by a 2.5-litre capable of 257/420Nm.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed as standard. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which now features fuel-saving ‘virtual gears’ previously introduced on the 911 model series, is available as an option.

Speed

Consequently, the new 718 Boxster is faster than the outgoing model. The 718 Boxster – with optional PDK double-clutch auto and Sport Chrono Package – sprints from 0–100km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds quicker). The equivalent 718 Boxster S accomplishes this in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster).

The top speed of the 718 Boxster is 275km/h and the 718 Boxster S can reach 285km/h.


Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 6.9 litres/100km and 7.3 litres/100km for the  S-badged version.

Watch: 718 Boxster in motion

Motorsport heritage

These new models continue the tradition of the Porsche 718 mid-engined sports cars that won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, powered by four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines. It also sits alongside Porsche's 718 Boxster, 911 Carrera, 918 Spyder and 919 Hybrid.

The exterior has been revised, except for the luggage compartment lids, windscreen and convertible roof. Inside, a newly-designed dash panel frames the cockpit. In addition, the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with touchscreen and mobile phone connectivity is standard. The satnav module is available as an option.

Watch: Sporty 718 Boxster


Porsche Active Suspension Management

Available as an option is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) combined with a 10mm lower ride height. For the first time, a PASM Sport Chassis with a 20mm lower ride height can also be specified as an option for the 718 Boxster S.

Extensive Sport Chrono Package

As with 911 models, the optional Sport Chrono Package now comprises the Individual programme in addition to the three settings Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.

In combination with the PDK transmission, the Sport Response Button is added, which is located at the middle of the Mode switch. Inspired by motorsport, it enables the driver to activate, Porsche says, "maximum responsiveness from the car for 20 seconds".


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