The new Porsche 718 Boxster S 2016 Design Review

The Porsche 718 Boxster mid-engine roadster. What, apart from the index, has changed in the newcomer compared to the third generation Boxster (index 981)?
Porsche 718 Boxster.

After any business trip to the Porsche company, you want to pour out all the information, but you have to sacrifice something. This time I shall keep silent - but do not be surprised! - About driving properties of the new roadster Porsche 718 Boxster sport car. I have hardly ever driven it, and even that on the passenger seat. Therefore, I will not take away my colleagues' bread, who will tell me in the next issues of ZR about how "7818" holds itself in turns, and I will concentrate on the most interesting technical decisions.

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The fourth-generation Porsche mid-engine roadster has a factory index of 982. And the "facade" index 718 the new Boxster has received in honor of the legendary racing two-seater with the motor installed in the base, which more than half a century ago set the tone in the international races.

The base engine is still four-cylinder, 2-liter; equipped with turbocharger, it develops 300 hp. The S version has a 2.5-liter four with 350 horsepower. Compared to the third generation Boxster (index 981), the increase was 35 hp, both in conventional models, as well as in the "esks".

Design

The steering wheel diameter of 375 mm is borrowed from the supercar 918 Spyder. A steering wheel with a diameter of 360 mm is available for an extra charge. In cars with PDK robotized gearbox, the steering wheel has gearshift paddles, and when ordering a Sport Chrono package, a switch of driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual) appears.

If you press the Sport Response button (only on models with PDK gearbox), the roadster goes into combat mode for 20 seconds: the electronics selects the optimal engine speed and gear in the box to provide maximum acceleration.
The Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system, which appeared on the Boxster for the first time, helps you attack corners more actively and safely. One of its components is a mechanical differential lock (disc type). In addition, when entering a turn, the system lightly (the driver almost does not feel it) tackles the rear inner wheel with brakes to level out understeer, leading to a drift of the front axle.

Thanks to the Pirelli P Zero tire composition and perfect design, the braking distance was reduced by 4%, while the rolling resistance was reduced by 6% to reduce CO2 emissions and moderate the fuel appetite. In addition, the new tires have a higher wear resistance.

The stabilization system has a new mode PSM Sport - an intermediate position between "on" and "off". Electronics allows the driver to pass turns in a skid and at the same time is ready at any moment to correct his mistake and return control over the car.

The Boxster's exterior has changed noticeably: only the trunk lid, the windshield and the soft roof remain the same from the body parts. But the power structure is the same, only some of its elements are made of even more durable steel. The three-point power unit supporting system was replaced by a four-point one.

The chassis, front and rear suspensions, steering, and brakes were significantly upgraded. Spent effort resulted in 16 seconds, which the new Boxster with a 2.5-liter engine and sports suspension beat its predecessor on the famous "North Loop": the best time of a circle was 7 minutes 42 seconds - almost as charged coupe Porsche Cayman GT4.