With the launch of an entry-level Boxster, a.k.a. 718 Boxster, in 1996, Porsche finally stepped up to offer one model, which was supposed to be a roadster from the beginning itself. They launched a 2-seater Roadster along with its sibling Cayman–a 2 seater fastback coupe. After its initial take off in the market, folks at Porsche have given the Boxster major upgrades and enhancements ranging from changes under the hood to the refreshed design style. Yet again, this time as we are about to transition to a brand-new year in just 2 months, Porsche is ready to float the new 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster. Yes, you heard it right!
So what are we waiting for? Let’s hop on directly because apparently, we have a lot of talk about regarding the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster.
The Powertrain: What's New
Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds every second. Even right now while we are amidst all this jabbering there’s a significant chance that somewhere in the world a new technology or innovation is being discerned. That being said, even the automotive industry has also developed at an exceptional pace with designing the best-in-class automobiles. The same holds for the new year’s Boxster. Apart from the familiar 300 hp 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 and the S model’s 350 hp turbocharged 2.5-Litre Boxer-4 engine, this year will witness a new GTS 4.0 liter Boxer-6 turbocharged motor which generates and deliver a power output of 394 horsepower. The boxer engines might have smaller displacements compared to their contemporaries, but the sheer engineering and power output make the 718 no less than a rocket ship.
Every variant of this rear-wheel-drive comes coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission with an alternative to opt for the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. The PDK, when translated, means double-clutch transmission. If you are curious about its on-road capabilities, keep reading, skipping no lines in between. Talking about performance, you can expect this sweetheart to lift you off from a complete standstill to 60mph in just 4.3 seconds. The top speed as claimed by the manufacturer is 177 mph. Even at such top speeds, one can handle the turns and bumps of the road without losing their confidence and control owing to its lightweight mid-engine layout that gives a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Boy, they don’t mess around when they say that Germany produces one of the finest mobiles in the world.
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Exteriors And Interiors
Coming to the interiors this year, the company is going to instill a number of features as standard through all variants. Features like heated front seats, Apple CarPlay (still no Android Auto), automatic climate control, and so forth can be expected to be incorporated this year. Talking about the seating room, one may find it just enough amount of comfortable even if they are the tallest person in the room. All good things are set up for disappointment, such is the case with the amount of cargo space available in the Roadster. The front storage under the hood offers a space of 5.3 cu.ft and 4.4 cu.ft in the rear. One can fit 3 suitcases in total in both the front and the rear trunk combined. But given that it is a sports car, space is a good deal as compared to its rivals. Other infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen connected with a six-speaker sound system, other connectivity functions like Bluetooth and USB ports.
Looking at it from the perspective of exterior styling, in true Porsche style, the Boxster has changed since the previous year with changes. But look at it from a normie's perspective and you shall find no major changes. The Boxster will enchant you with its wide range of colors to choose from, which include - Jet Black Metallic, Carmine Red, Lava Orange, GT Silver Metallic, and so on. Further, it has always been a convertible so if you love to get rid of the roof and you will surely not feel disappointed with its panoramic view.
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718 Boxster V/S. 718 Cayman: Who’s The Tougher Cookie?
When there are two kids in a family there ought to be one who is the parents’ favorite. Both the Boxster and Cayman have the same types of powertrains, meaning that the resultant output is going to be the same, making it a draw. The next point of comparison can be the make of the model. The Boxster is a convertible roadster while the Cayman is a hardtop coupe. So for someone who wants to enjoy a Sunday sunbath around the town, the convertible is the better option. Last but the most important factor to be considered is pricing, a typical base model of the Boxster will cost more than the Cayman, making the latter more preferred by someone is on a budget.
Overall, one can say that they are more like twins. Keeping aside the pricing difference, each serves its own purpose.
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Is It Worth Investing In?
Unfortunately, there can’t be a single word answer for questions like this, because ultimately it is a function of an individual’s tastes, preferences, expectations, and many more factors. But we sure can give you some relevant pointers which may assist you in making the right choice. From the viewpoint of fuel economy, it has an average EPA score of 20 for cities and 26 for highways ad can run about for 200K mile. The cost of the Boxster can go as low as $65,850 and the highest limit being a whopping $94,310 for the Spider. The price extorted is a lot when compared to its rivals like the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray having a base price of $67,495, further even the Mercedes C- Class Convertible can be yours for as little as $53,950. Moreover, German cars have a bad reputation for being high maintenance, which in this case can go as high as $952 per annum which is around 1.5% of its purchase price.
Despite all of this, it’s considered to be a segment-leading sports car built by Porsche to date. The 718 is your typical baby Porsche with the signature Boxster engines that are the true Porsche pedigree. Porsche also offers a stick transmission with the 718 Boxster making a great choice for the purists that want to feel the summer breeze while riding with the roof down.
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