It's hard to believe that 2017 marks the Porsche Boxster's 20th year of production. The German carmaker has outdone itself to celebrate, with the all-new Boxster 718 and Boxster 718 S. The mid-engine, rear-drive cars are completely redesigned, save for the rear trunk lid, top and windshield. The front end appears more muscular, with larger air intakes and new bi-Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. LED headlights are optional.
Underneath, the chassis has been retuned for improved responsiveness, and aluminum-steel composite construction makes for a lightweight yet incredibly rigid platform. Braking comes courtesy of 4-piston aluminum calipers on internally vented and cross-drilled discs, with pad wear sensors on each corner.
Interiors have been refreshed as well, with top materials and excellent ergonomics, plus the newest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) that underlies everything from cell phone integration and audio interfaces to optional navigation with real-traffic updates, Google Street View and Apple Car Play. The electric roadster top features a wind deflector and heated glass rear window and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.
Porsche has forsaken the excellent naturally aspirated flat-four that powered previous Boxsters for an all new turbocharged flat-four. In the 718 Boxster, the 2.0L unit produces 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. In the 2.5L 718 Boxster S, output is rated at 350 horsepower and 309 pound-feet. In each car, output is up 35 horsepower over previous models, while torque is up 74 pound-feet in the Boxster and 43 pound-feet in the Boxster S. Both engines feature auto stop/start technology, and both are mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, while Porsche's 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic is optional. Top speed is rated at 170 mph for the Boxster and 177 mph for the Boxster S.
The 718 Boxster rides on 18-inch wheels and includes standard features such as an auto-extending rear spoiler, power one-touch windows, heated power mirrors, sport seats with electric backrest adjustment, automatic climate control with an active carbon filter, a 110-watt sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, park assist with a rear camera and PCM. The instrument cluster features triple round gauges with the tachometer front and center, while a high-resolution TFT display monitors vehicle settings and navigation, radio, and phone information. The 718 Boxster S is similarly equipped, though it rides on 19-inch wheels and includes sport pedals.
Several options are available on either car, including a BOSE or Burmester surround sound system, navigation integrated into PCM, 18-way adaptive sport seats, a GT Sport steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane change assist. The $7,400 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) add carbon fiber reinforced discs with yellow six-piston calipers. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an electronically controlled damper system with NORMAL and SPORT settings. And the Sport Chrono Package features an analog and digital stopwatch along with steering wheel-mounted controls for NORMAL, SPORT, and SPORT PLUS settings to change engine, transmission and chassis responsiveness. Launch control is also included on cars equipped with the PDK transmission.
Sculpted Styling
Powerful Turbocharged Engines
Handling Precision
Excellent Engineering
The Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S have been completely redesigned for 2017. They feature improved handling, increased fuel efficiency, and a slightly new name that pays tribute to Porsche's mid-engine 718 race car from the 1950s and '60s. The new turbocharged engines -- a 2.0L flat-four making 300 horsepower in the 718 Boxster and a 2.5L making 350 horsepower in the S -- are more powerful and 14 percent more efficient than the units they replace. Both are mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The 718 Boxster has an MSRP of $56,000, while the 718 Boxster S starts at $68,400.
In their new "718" guise, Porsche's Boxster and Boxster S are better than they've ever been. There are few contenders in the mid-engine, rear-drive roadster game, perhaps because there's little hope against the stalwart Boxster. There's even more to like for 2017, with a full redesign that includes even more potent -- and now turbocharged -- engines.
