Porsche Boxster gets bigger pricetag and two hi-po fours

Porsche has revealed its new 718-series Boxster models – and in addition, confirmed local pricing and the unexpected arrival of both 2.0 and 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engines.

Set to make its public debut at March’s Geneva auto show, the 718 will be offered in Boxster and Boxster S models initially, priced from $113,100 and $143,400 respectively. Porsche Australia says local deliveries will commence “in mid-2016”.

The price increase of $8400 and $12,300 respectively is expected to effectively re-position the roadster above its Cayman coupe counterpart, which is currently priced from $106,200. But the bigger news is the offering of two high-performance four-cylinder engines of 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre capacity.

Initially, Porsche hinted at two differing-output 2.0-litre fours. The production cars, however, will arrive powered by a 220kW 2.0-litre turbo four in the case of the Boxster, and a muscular 257kW 2.5-litre unit in the case of the Boxster S.

The S model features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) derived from the latest 911 Turbo. Porsche claims it is the only manufacturer to use VTG technology on petrol engines. The technology, the company says, has yielded power gains of up to 25kW compared to the six-cylinder engines the fours replace and fuel economy improvements of up to 13 per cent.

The most efficient Boxster (2.0, PDK) is rated at 6.9L/100 km – down 1.0L/100km on its 2.7-litre predecessor – while the 2.5-litre Boxster S turbo consumes 7.3L/100km – down 0.9L/100km from the 3.4-litre six it replaces.

The downsized turbo fours don’t want for torque. The Boxster’s 2.0-litre engine produces 380Nm (+100 Nm on the outgoing six) over 1950-4500 rpm. The larger S mill is rated at 420Nm (+60Nm) over the same rpm range.

The PDK twin-clutch versions (six-speed manual gearboxes remain standard) are the fastest and most efficient, as is usually the case. Equipped with further optional Sport Chrono Package, the Boxster sprints to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.8 sec faster), with the S another 0.5 seconds quicker again.

Styling is new, with the only exterior carryover parts being “the luggage compartment lids, the windscreen and the convertible top”, says Porsche. The cockpit and dash have also been revised.

All Aussie Boxster get bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard. A new 19-inch wheel design is featured on the 718 Boxster S, with 20-inch diameter wheels also an option.

PASM active sport suspension options lower the Boxster and Boxster S 10 and 20mm respectively and both models get the latest Apple CarPlay-equipped Porsche Communication Management infotainment systems standard.

Full specification details will be revealed closer to their local launch in mid-2016.