Porsche Reveals the 2017 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster (Credit: © Porsche)

Last year, Porsche officially revealed that it would add the 718 prefix to the Boxster and Cayman. Today, the official details and images for the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S have rolled out, showing off the models’ new looks, powertrain options, and chassis.

Porsche was careful and calculated when restyling 718 Boxster, but the changes are still noticeable. The front end has a brand-new look that includes wider and flattened air inlets and reverse-teardrop-like headlights with new LED daytime running lights. Down the sides, Porsche enhanced the rear air inlets with new fins, installed new door handle recess covers, added new two-post side-view mirrors, and tossed in redesigned 19-inch wheels.

The rear end underwent the most significant changes by far. Back here is a new rear fascia that includes a black insert with a “Porsche” logo, totally restyled LED taillights with four-point brake lights, new bumper reflectors, and a new rear bumper insert with integrated center-mounted exhaust.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster S (Credit: © Porsche)

As a mid-engine sports car, the Boxster was already very capable in the corners, but Porsche enhanced the chassis when adding the 718 name. This update includes a retuned suspension system—Porsche failed to reveal any details on this—and a new electric steering system that is 10 percent more direct. Optionally, buyers can go with Porsche Active Suspension Management that drops the ride height by 10 mm (0.39 inches) on the base model and 20 mm (0.79 inches) on the S model.

Inside, is a heavily restyled cabin that features an all-new steering wheel, a new instrument panel, a new center-mounted clock, rounded air vents, and updated door panels. Also new is the standard Porsche Communication Management with cellphone integration and the 110-watt Sound Package Plus. Optionally, there is the Connect Plus module, which enhances the avigation system with a variety of online services.

Under the hood of the 718 Boxster is a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of twist—a decrease of 25 horsepower and increase of 74 pound-feet of torque. The 718 Boxster S’ boosted 2.5-liter engine lays down 300 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque, which makes it 15 horsepower less powerful than the outgoing Boxster S but bumps the torque by 43 pound-feet.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster (Credit: © Porsche)

All this adds up to a 0-to-60 time of just 4.5 seconds for the base model—a 0.7-second decrease—with the PDK transmission and Sport Chrono Package, and a 170 mph top speed. The Boxster S tops out at 177 mph and hits 60 mph in just four seconds—0.5-second quicker than the model it replaces. On top of being significantly faster than the model is replaces, fuel efficiency is up 14 percent according to the New European Driving Cycle.

The 2017 718 Boxster starts from $56,000 and the S model starts from $68,400. Both models will hit showrooms in June 2016.