PORSCHE GENTLY TWEAKS ITS OPEN-AIR BOXSTERS WITH MORE POWER AND SUBTLE NEW DESIGN CUES

BY INDUSTRY STAFF

“Mid-cycle” updates in the auto world—in which models are not so much redesigned as tweaked—typically don’t make for terribly sexy press. In the case of the Porsche Boxster, however, any announcement of change causes gasps of anticipation and no small amount of pearl clutching in these offices, simply because the essentials of the design since its introduction in 1996 have been so good that we fear too much futzing will break a largely perfect mold.

2017 modifications to the nimble little coupe— a bargain 911, if you will—are minimal and simply terrific, we are happy to note. First, there’s been a gentle name change, now to the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S convertibles, their monikers a nod to a venerable model of past years (in 1957, the company launched the 718 race car with a legendary mid mounted, four-cylinder motor). Both are now equipped with more powerful engines, in the case of the base model a turbocharged four-cylinder generating 300 hp, and in the model S a similarly turbocharged four banger generating 350 hp, both power plants now 35hp more robust than last year’s versions (the company claims 0-to-60 times of 4 and 4.5 seconds, respectively). Both are also equipped with Porche’s silky-smooth six-speed manual transmission, electromechanical power steering with variable steering ratios, and “Active Suspension Management,” which among other things drops the vehicle by about half an inch at higher speeds. As far as exterior styling is concerned, the only thing suggesting a mid-cycle shift are the new numerals, of course, and the stylish little strip between the taillights. Price for the base model is $56,000, while the S fetches $68,400.

Ray Catena Porsche
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