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

[The Radium King]

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

[thstone]

Thanks for the link.

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

[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]

Sorry, somehow got a double post.

[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]

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.

[The Radium King]

could there be a niche for such a car - brz/370 beater? allow the boxster to continue to move upscale - standard bloat you tend to see in car lines (ie - 240-260-280-280zx-300); perhaps the boxster no longer appeals to the same demographic it did when it first came out? perhaps they're picking up on the fact that more boxsters are making it to the track than 911's, so trying to attract that market more directly? perhaps it will come with a racing program like the boss 302 or Miata? maybe it's such an easy car to build that they'd be crazy not to make it (ie, a component car similar to the cayenne or macan)?

[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]

As the 981 is sort of what the 911 used to be,this new car, which hope is not called the 718, if anything the boxster shouldve originally been called this but at this point the vehicle needs another name. But point is, this car is what the old 2.5 and other early boxsters were, just a modern take on this, now the 981 and cayman are what 911 used to be and the 991 is a GT.