2017 Porsche 718 Boxster revealed in Geneva

GENEVA, Switzerland – After two decades of Porsche Boxster excitement, Porsche has come to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show with not only a mid-cycle refresh to it, but a new name and new engine to power its roadster. 

The Porsche Boxster will now be known as the 718 Boxster, paying homage to the 718 mid-engine sports cars that won a number race back in the 50s and 60s, including the Targa Florio and Le Mans. The race cars of the good old days used a four-cylinder powered engine, and that's exactly what will power this new specimen. 

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This new 718 Boxster will use a turbocharged 2.0-litre flat-four engine (the first for Porsche in decades and the first ever for the Boxster), to replace its naturally-aspirated 2.7-litre flat-six. The 2.0-litre will be able to produce a maximum of 300 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. Moving up to the 718 Boxster S, Porsche will use a 2.5-litre turbo flat-four that ups its performance to 350 hp and 309 lb.-ft. of torque. With the change, both engines received a 35-hp bump and the base auto tranny can do a 0-100 km/h sprint in close to 4.7 seconds, while the S version can do it in 4.2. 

Both versions of the 718 Boxster will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with an option seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that has paddle shifters tuned to Porsche's new “fuel-saving virtual gears.” The system creates an intermediate gear that helps to improve on fuel economy. According to Porsche, the new engines have improved fuel economy numbers up to 14 per cent, which will have the base rated at 6.9 L/ 100km and the S at 7.3 L/100 km. 

In order to fit the next flat-fours in, Porsche has modified the chassis and re-tuned its suspension. Furthermore, they have a new electro-mechanical power steering system that claims to be 10 per cent more direct.

The news of the refreshed 718 Boxster isn't all about its engines, as it also receives a minor exterior makeover. Porsche claims that it's completely redesigned except for the luggage compartment lids, the windscreen and the convertible top. The most noticeable change is in its optional LED headlights and taillights that create a striking and more modern pose on the Geneva showroom floor. It also possesses larger front air dams, bigger air inlets and sits on standard 19-inch wheels that could be upgraded to 20 inches. 

Inside, you will find a next-generation PCM infotainment system with a new touchscreen and Apple CarPlay integration. The cabin adds a few more premium touches to go along with a new three-spoke steering wheel. 

Canadian pricing for the 718 Boxster will start at $63,900 and at $78,000 for the Boxster S. 

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