The Boxster and Cayman are About to Get Digital
Posted on Thu 21st Jan 2016 at 10:58
Given that its most famous car is just one big number, it’s hardly a surprise that Porsche now wants to ensure there are digits on all its other cars too. In line for a name change, therefore, are the marque's popular Boxster and Cayman SUV's, which have both historically been un-numbered.
The models will now be known as the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman respectively. Rather than pick a random number out of thin air, Porsche have given their SUVs the designation previously assigned to their 1957 race car, which won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1958. To reflect the name, the new cars will be given mid-mounted turbocharged flat four cylinder engines, mimicking the engine in the original 718 race car. (The original engine, of course, was not turbocharged!)
As Porsche themselves say: "The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars." It's not just the engine that has changed: the styling will be different too. Porsche have announced that the two cars are displaying more visual similarities than before, something we look forward to seeing at their launch in 2016. If you're eager to get your hands on either car you're either in for good or bad news - the cars have now swapped price tiers, meaning that the Boxster is now the more expensive car. This is largely to bring the models in line with standard pricing, which puts convertibles in the higher price bracket.