News, Videos

Porsche Boxster and Cayman now to be marketed as 718 model series [+video]

Porsche 718

Porsche has announced that its facelifted Boxter and Cayman will be introduced as 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman from the beginning of 2016.

According to Porsche, the 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car of this type of the year 1957, which enjoyed much success in renowned car races. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman are showing more similarities – both visual and technical. In the future, both will have equally powerful 4-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging. The Roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupé – as is done for the 911 models.

S15_1008-vert

The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The latest example is the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, which also has a highly-efficient, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with just 2 litres of displacement. So, not only did Porsche finish first and second in the 24 hours of Le Mans, but most recently it also won the manufacturer’s and driver’s championship titles in the WEC World Endurance Championship. With these victories, the 919 Hybrid has opened up the prospects for the performance potential of future sports car engines from Porsche.

S15_1006-vert

History of the 718: 4-cylinder flat engine has many car racing victories

4-cylinder flat engines have a long tradition at Porsche – and they have enjoyed plenty of success. In the late 1950s, the 718 – a successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder – represented the highest configuration level of the four-cylinder flat engine. Whether it was competing at the 12-hour race in Sebring in 1960 or at the European Hill Climb Championship that ran between 1958 and 1961, the Porsche 718 prevailed against numerous competitors with its powerful and efficient four-cylinder flat engine. The 718 took first place three times between 1959 and 1960 at the legendary Italian Targa Florio race in Sicily. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans race 1958, the 718 RSK with its 142-hp four-cylinder engine scored a class victory. Check out the video below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMFD8jdJXmc