Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S launched, priced from RM480k



Here we have it folks, the third generation Porsche Boxster and Boxster S. The new 718 moniker signals the retirement of the classic flat-six, and in its place is an all new turbocharged flat-four mill.

First introduced in 1997, the first generation Boxster was Porsche’s effort to introduce an affordable, entry-level sports car to expand their market reach. In order to stay relevant in the market during challenging economic times, Porsche had to do the unthinkable – optimise their production flow and reduce production costs. Thus, the first Porsche Boxster was born; a mid-engine rear wheel drive open top sports car. It proved to be a big success and what used to be a lifejacket for the brand has now become an icon.2016 Porsche 718 Boxster S Launch - AutoBuzz.my

QUICK FACTS

Name Porsche 718 Boxster Porsche 718 Boxster S
Engine 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo 2.5-litre turbo with variable turbine geometry (VTG)
Transmission 7-Speed PDK
Max Power 300 hp 350 hp
Max Torque 380 Nm @ 1,950 rpm – 4,500 rpm 420 Nm @ 1,900 rpm – 4,500 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed 4.7 seconds; 275 km/h 4.2 seconds; 285 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance) RM480,000 RM620,000

The updated third generation Boxster no longer comes with a 2.7-litre flat-six and is replaced by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 300 hp and 380 Nm of torque, up from the previous 265 hp, 280 Nm figures. The new Boxster also wears a new nameplate – 718 Boxster. The numerics 718 is a reference to the four-cylinder open-top race car in 1957, named 718 RSK which won many races for Porsche. The Boxster S is powered by larger 2.5-litre mill (also four-cylinder) which churns out 350 hp and 420 Nm. Power is channelled to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Despite losing two cylinders, the 718 Boxster is quicker around the Green Hell, lapping it in a blistering 7 minutes and 42 seconds. That is just 2 seconds slower than a 911 GT3 and a whopping 16 seconds quicker than the previous generation Boxster! The biggest merit from downsizing and turbocharging is the improvement of up to 13 percent on fuel economy. The Boxster sips 6.9 litres of fuel per 100km while the Boxster S averages 7.3 litres per 100km. In the century sprint, the Boxster and Boxster S manages 4.5 seconds and 4.0 seconds respectively. With these performance figures, losing two cylinders is not a bad trade-off after all. Well, on paper at least.

Standard on both variants is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which lowers ride height by 10mm. A sports chassis can be had as an option that further lowers the car down by 20mm. Full LED headlights with four-point LED daytime running lights can be had as an option over the standard bi-xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). They both ride on 19-inch alloys, whereas 20-inch hoops can also be specified. On the inside, a new infotainment system dubbed the Porsche Communication Management is standard across the range, while navigation can be had as an option.2016 Porsche 718 Boxster S Launch - AutoBuzz.my

Those who seek more control over their Porsche will definitely not want to miss out on the optional Sport Chrono Package which adds an individual driving mode on top of the standard Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.

Prices for the Porsche 718 Boxster starts from RM480,000, while the Boxster S costs upwards of RM620,000 – all before optional extras and insurance. Both variants come with a 4-Year manufacturer’s warranty and free maintenance.


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