STUTTGART – The initial range-topping version of Porsche’s all-new turbocharged horizontally opposed 4-cyl. gasoline engine will boast displacement of 2.5L and deliver 345 hp in the 718 Boxster S, the name the German automaker is resurrecting for its ’16 Boxster roadster line.
The model designation “718” harks back to Porsche racers of the late ’50s and early ’60s that were powered by flat 4-cylinder engines.
Set to make its public debut at the Geneva motor show in early March, the heavily reworked 2-seater is joined by the entry-level 718 Boxster running a smaller 2.0L turbo variant of the new 4-cyl. engine developing 296 hp, Porsche says.
The new models go on sale in North America in April, with an even more powerful 718 Boxster GTS set to join the range during the latter half of 2017.
Distinguishing the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S from the earlier Boxster and Boxster S are a series of mid-life styling changes, many of which are necessitated by a need to provide the new turbocharged engine with greater cooling capacity than its old naturally aspirated powerplant.
Styling follows the lineage established on the recently facelifted 911 with a new front bumper sporting larger cooling ducts and LED repeater lights on the leading edges and altered headlamps with optional LED daytime running lights. The flanks feature a new door handle design, revised sills and larger side air ducts.
The most significant styling change is reserved for the rear, where Porsche design boss Michael Mauer provides the 718 with a distinctive new appearance. First previewed on the Mission E concept at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, it sees an accent strip added between more structured taillamps featuring LED graphics to give the 718 additional visual width.
As with the models they replace, the 718 Boxster receives standard 18-in. wheels, while the 718 Boxster S rolls on 19-in. rims, although both are available with optional 20-in. wheels.
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Source by wardsauto