Auto Express – Porsche 718 Boxster Review – Video

 

Porsche has been courting a fair bit of controversy of late. First it revealed that most of its legendary 911 models would get turbocharged engines, and now it’s dropped the bombshell that its mid-engined Boxster roadster is ditching its flat-sixes in favour of smaller four-cylinder ‘boxer’ powerplants.

Yet while Porsche fans are up in arms, the firm isn’t breaking any new ground. In fact, its first ever car, the 1948 356/1, had a mid-mounted flat-four, while the newcomer’s 718 model designation is a nod to the sixties racer that scored numerous victories and even spawned an F1 racer. So has this trip back to the future paid off for Porsche?

Porsche 718 Boxster BR Specs:

BASE PRICE: Boxster, $57,050; Boxster S, $69,450

ENGINE TYPES: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter flat-4, 300 hp, 280 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter flat-4, 350 hp, 309 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 97.4 in
Length: 172.4 in
Width: 70.9 in Height: 50.4 in
Cargo volume: 10 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 3150-3250 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.9-4.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.8-11.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.3-13.0 sec
Top speed: 171-177 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 22-24/31-35 mpg