Porsche may have canceled plans for a sub-Boxster sports car model dubbed the 718, but the German automaker is reportedly still moving forward with the reintroduction of that iconic nameplate.
Although no longer earmarked for a cheaper sports car, Automobile reports that Porsche will use the 718 designation — which was used on a Porsche race car in the late 1950s and early 60s — for its next-generation Boxster and Cayman models. The name swap will better align the Boxster and Cayman with Porsche’s most recognizable vehicle, the 911. And like the 911 — which can be had from base Carrera to range-topping Turbo S — Porsche is planning to offer several different performance variants of the 718 range.
Although no longer earmarked for a cheaper sports car, Automobile reports that Porsche will use the 718 designation — which was used on a Porsche race car in the late 1950s and early 60s — for its next-generation Boxster and Cayman models. The name swap will better align the Boxster and Cayman with Porsche’s most recognizable vehicle, the 911. And like the 911 — which can be had from base Carrera to range-topping Turbo S — Porsche is planning to offer several different performance variants of the 718 range.
Among those new 718 models will be a base model powered by a 2.0L flat-four with about 285 horsepower. Although not a true entry-level model, the 2.0L 718 will essentially stand as the “baby Boxster” Porsche decided to can.
Porsche will also offer the 718 with a 360 horsepower 2.5L flat-four and a turbocharged version with about 400 horsepower. At this point it’s unknown if any 718 model will use a six-cylinder powerplant.
Like the 911, the 718 will be offered as both a coupe and convertible.
Porsche’s new 718 line is expected to debut sometime in 2016 for the 2017 model year.
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