Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official importer of Porsche in Malaysia today introduced the new 718 Boxster into our local market.
Two decades after the first Boxster made its debut, Porsche is restructuring its mid-engine roadsters. The new models are named 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S, paying tribute to the 718 race car, the iconic legend that was born in 1953 and took the 1960s by storm by claiming over 1,000 racing victories across the globe from Sebring to Targa Florio to Le Mans.
The centrepiece of the new model series is the newly developed four-cylinder flat engine with turbocharging. With a 2.0-litre engine, the 718 Boxster develops 300hp, while the 718 Boxster S employs a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, generating 350hp from 2.5 litres of displacement. In the S-model, Porsche also uses a turbocharger with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). In fact, Porsche is now the only manufacturer to offer VTG technology in production cars with petrol-driven engines, both in the 911 Turbo and in the 718 Boxster S. What’s even more impressive here is the considerable power gain of 35 hp compared to the previous Boxster models and the greater efficiency of the new turbo engines. The new 718 Boxster models also have fuel economy improvements of up to 13%.
The launch of the new 718 Boxster generation represents the first time that Porsche is implementing sports cars with four-cylinder flat engines since the end of the 1960s. Turbocharging significantly boosts torque. The two-litre engine of the 718 Boxster has a maximum torque of 380Nm ( an increase of 100Nm), which is available from 1,950 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Boxster S even attains 420Nm ( an increase of 60Nm) over an engine speed range from 1,900 rpm to 4,500 rpm.
Thus, the new 718 Boxster models sprint even faster. The 718 Boxster – with PDK and the Sport Chrono Package – sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds faster). The 718 Boxster S with the same equipment completes this dash in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster). The top speed of the 718 Boxster is 275 km/h, and the 718 Boxster S has a top speed of 285 km/h.
The Porsche turbo concept is boosting driving performance while improving fuel economy. In the 718 Boxster, the four-cylinder flat engine with PDK has a NEDC fuel consumption figure of 6.9 l/100 km (1.0 l/100 km less). In the 718 Boxster S, the 2.5-litre turbo flat engine with PDK consumes just 7.3 l/100 km (0.9 l/100 km less). In Malaysia, the 718 Boxster models are equipped with a 7-speed PDK as standard.
New design emphasizes a sharpened profile The 718 model line can be recognised at first glance. The front end of the new roadster exhibits a more sculptural form. The front has a wider and more masculine appearance. The much larger cooling air intakes at the front are a distinct exterior expression of the new turbo engine concept. The front end of the 718 Boxster is rounded out by the new design of the bi-xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), and is integrated with the LED day-time running lights. The LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option.
From the side view, identifying features of the new model line include new, independently styled wings and side sills. Larger air inlet panels with two fins emphasize the car’s dynamic look. The doors are now designed without door handle recess covers. New 19-inch wheels are standard on the 718 Boxster S. 20-inch diameter wheels are available as an option.
The redesigned rear body of the 718 Boxster has a much wider look – especially due to the accent strip with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The entirely redeveloped tail lights are distinguished by their three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights. The 718 Boxster fabric roof can be opened and closed in just 9 seconds up to a speed of 50 km/h.
The new roadster comes with a completely retuned chassis to enhance cornering performance. The electromechanical steering system is configured to be ten per cent more direct. This makes the 718 Boxster even more agile and easier to steer, both on circuit tracks and in everyday traffic.
Porsche Active Suspension Management Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a 10 millimetre lower ride height comes in standard for both 718 Boxster models. For the first time, the PASM sport chassis with a 20 millimetre lower ride height is available as an option for the 718 Boxster S. The active chassis, which has also been retuned, offers an even broader spread between long-distance touring comfort and dynamic sporty stiffness.
The optional Sport Chrono Package now comprises the Individual programme in addition to the 3 settings – Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. In sports cars with PDK, the Sport Response Button has been added, which is located in the middle of the driving programme switch. Inspired by the racing car, it enables the driver to configure the responsiveness of the engine and the PDK to be very direct.
The retail base price for the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S starts from RM480,000 and RM620,000. All prices stated come with a 4-year warranty and free maintenance package. The price stated includes all applicable duties excluding registration fee, road tax and insurance.
