New name, new engine – but what’s the turbocharged 718 Boxster really like?
Posted on Mon 13th Jun 2016 at 11:12
The new Boxster, sorry, the Porsche 718, has already caused a lot of controversy. The reason? The engine, which has gone from a six cylinder naturally aspirated beast to a quieter 2.5 litre flat four with a turbocharger.
Many fans have been prophesying doom since they heard of this development, which has been introduced to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. We’ve been dying to find out what the car is like to drive, and fortunately an editor from AutoCar has finally got his hands on one and produced an interesting video that shows us exactly what to expect from the new 718. The main point of interest is, of course, the engine noise, and there’s no doubt that it’s a lot more subtle than the previous version. There’s also no doubt that the reviewer is less than impressed. ‘It’s more powerful, but it sounds like a Subaru WX’, he says despondently. ‘I’m not sure it really sounds like a Porsche, to be honest with you, but that’s the way of the world’. Yet it’s not all bad news. The 718 has had a major overhaul, with new suspension borrowed from both the 911 Turbo up front and the Cayman at the back, giving it more speed and a lower, racier spec. There’s also not much turbo lag, and the car overall, according to AutoCar, is ‘sweet, balanced, agile… It’s got so much going for it as a sports car.’ While it’s a good drive, it’s clear that harcore naturally aspirated engine fans aren’t going to be happy. ‘It’s effective rather than involving’, describes the reviewer, suggesting that if you want a Porsche experience with soul, you’re better off hanging on to your old 718 – sorry, Boxster.