PORSCHE 718 - New entry-level Roadster in 2016

[BRAN]

Porsche plans a new entry-level Roadster 718 with four-cylinder Boxer engine (flat 4) for 2016. The new Porsche 718 is Boxster-based, with a stand-alone design, short front and rear significantly settle.
It opts for a mid-engine, a lightweight body and a simple Interior and is lighter, more agile and uncompromising than its established model brothers. The goal is < 1200 kg unladen weight.

With a base price of < 40,000 €, it is significantly cheaper than its two relatives Cayman and Boxster. The engine is brand new: the 718 gets the first Porsche four-cylinder Boxer since the 912, with two available variants: 2-litre engine with around 285 HP / 400 nm and a high-performance unit with 2.5 litre, 360 HP / 470 nm.

:dance: or :ah:

[Big Daddy]

I would be interested in reading more about this. Where did you get you data? What is the source?

[RandallNeighbour]

Well, it will remove any stigma of our cars being the "poor man's Porsche" if we get a newer model.

Plus, it may become a very solid track car the way the boxster became a spec car... who knows?

Depends a lot on the power to weight ratio and handling.

Porsche has to bring out models that get good fuel economy that sell really well to help balance all the high end cars that get poor fuel economy and don't sell well. It's all about making money and keeping the government happy with one's average fuel economy across the model range.

[rp17]

Originally Posted by BRAN

The engine is brand new: the 718 gets the first Porsche four-cylinder Boxer since the 912, with two available variants: 2-litre engine with around 285 HP / 400 nm and a high-performance unit with 2.5 litre, 360 HP / 470 nm.

Thats pretty impressive for a four banger. I take it this must be a turbo engine.

[Perfectlap]

Here is the prototype in speed yellow.

Project 718 Porsche - VW

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Here is the prototype in speed yellow.

Project 718 Porsche - VW

I wish I could unsee this PL, disturbing content x100

[demick]

I think it would have been more appropriate to post this 23 days ago.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

I wish I could unsee this PL, disturbing content x100

Somebody needs to slap a Porsche badge on that prototype!
I know VW and Porsche are fighting over the direction of the lineup but c'mon alrready

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Here is the prototype in speed yellow.

Project 718 Porsche - VW

Oh yaaa, now thats just what Porsche needs!

[thstone]

Pic's or a reference please.

As recently as January, 2014, this idea was dead.

Instead of a new entry level roadster, I say look for a mini-Panamera based on the Macan. This would give Porsche a BMW 3/5 series fighter which is a huge segment with high payoff.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20140113/BLOG06/140119838/porsche-nixes-entry-level-roadster-small-crossover

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by thstone

Instead of a new entry level roadster, I say look for a mini-Panamera based on the Macan. This would give Porsche a BMW 3/5 series fighter which is a huge segment with high payoff.

Fast forward to 2030:
Joe: "hey, remember back in the 1900's when Porsche used to make sports cars?"
Mike: "Yeah they were like the Ferrari of Germany!"
Joe: "speaking of which... when the heck is this Porsche bus getting here? we've been waiting at this bus stop all day".

[The Radium King]

New edition of the Porsche 718: Minimalist four-cylinder Roadster 2016 - News - ABC Online - News

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

New edition of the Porsche 718: Minimalist four-cylinder Roadster 2016 - News - ABC Online - News

A 360 HP mid-engine car that costs less than a Boxster? And to compete with a more expensive 400 HP, heavier rear-engine 991?

Ahh the internets....

[thstone]

Thanks for the link.

I am still doubtful: Lighter, more agile, +20hp, AND €10,000 less?

[thstone]

Sorry, somehow got a double post.

[The Radium King]

remember how we all dissed Porsche for 'dumbing down' the boxster so that it didn't compete with the 911? how do you all feel now with a pending Porsche that has more HP, less weight, and is cheaper than your car?

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

remember how we all dissed Porsche for 'dumbing down' the boxster so that it didn't compete with the 911? how do you all feel now with a pending Porsche that has more HP, less weight, and is cheaper than your car?

Don't you mean how will 996/997/991 owners feel about such a Boxster?


At any rate, this 360 HP cheaper and lighter than a Carrera talk is about as likely as Porsche naming Lindsay Lohan the new CEO.

[RawleyD]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

remember how we all dissed Porsche for 'dumbing down' the boxster so that it didn't compete with the 911? how do you all feel now with a pending Porsche that has more HP, less weight, and is cheaper than your car?

It's not cheaper than my car, it only cost 9k.

[BIGJake111]

Do you all remember the 924s, took the 944 engine and put it in the 924 and this very old chassis was much faster than the 944 and cheaper...... They need to do that with the 986 chassis, make a few styling changes, and dump a modern engine in.

[papasmurf]

Apart from the larger fenders, newer interior, wheels, etc. of the 944, they were the same car with the 924s being ever so slightly lighter. Performance was really not different as the weights were pretty close, but the 924S had a very slight top speed advantage due to the slightly slicker body. I am sure all the tooling for the 986 chassis is long gone and it probably does not meet some sort of government standards nowadays. I would love to see them come out with a really small roadster (miata size), and I am fine with a turbo four and ~220 hp if the weight is in the 2300lb range....no nav, no heated seats, etc...just the basics and with great fuel economy.

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Do you all remember the 924s, took the 944 engine and put it in the 924 and this very old chassis was much faster than the 944 and cheaper...... They need to do that with the 986 chassis, make a few styling changes, and dump a modern engine in.