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Dubai - The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman – these will be the new names of the two-door mid-engine sports cars from Porsche AG, effective with its 2016 model changeover.
Where does its new nomenclature come from? The 718 designation is a reference to the classic 1957 sports car.
'Share more visial, technical similarities'
According to Porsche: "The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will be sharing more visual and technical similarities than ever before. With the introduction of the new generation, the models will have equally powerful four-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging.
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"When launched in markets, the Roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupé, similar to the price positioning in the 911 series. Porsche will introduce the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman over the course of 2016."
718 Boxster
Four-cylinder Porsches
The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The latest example is the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, which is powered by a 2 litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit.
It competed successfully in this year’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) resulting in Porsche securing the manufacturers’ as well as drivers’ championship. The 919 Hybrid has opened up the prospects for the performance potential of future sports car engines from Porsche.
History of the 718
Four-cylinder flat engines have a long tradition at Porsche and they have enjoyed incredible success. 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.
Whether it was competing at the 12-hour race in Sebring in 1960 or at the European Hill Climb Championship that ran between 1958 and 1961, the Porsche 718 prevailed against numerous competitors. The 718 took first place in 1959 and 1960 at the legendary Targa Florio race in Sicily. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1958, the 718 RSK, with its 105kW four-cylinder engine, scored a class victory.
718 Cayman
