Porsche India launches 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman

Porsche India today launched the 718 Boxster and the 718 Cayman priced at Rs 85.53 lakh and Rs 81.63 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

The ‘718’ prefix, which harks back to the 718 race car from 1957, was first received by the Boxster when introduced globally last year, followed by the Cayman as a part of their mid-cycle facelift. Apart from the 718 moniker, both the sportscars get new, smaller capacity, four-cylinder turbo engines, which replace the naturally-aspirated flat-six units as the Stuttgart-based manufacturer pushes towards a turbocharged engine line-up.

The new engine unit, shared by both the vehicles, has a displacement of 2 litres and develops 300hp in the entry-level model, up around 25hp (Cayman) and 35hp (Boxster) than that generated from its predecessor’s 2.7-litre six-cylinder unit. The Boxster S and Cayman S receive a larger 2.5-litre turbo flat-four motor making 350hp.

Both cars come with a seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox and Porsche claims that the new engines have allowed the cars to sprint from 0-100kph in 4.7sec when equipped with Porsche's PDK automatic gearbox and Sport Chrono package and reach a top speed of 275kph.

Styling changes in both the vehicles are similar and include a new front bumper, revised side intakes to provide the engine with better cooling and a new rear bumper and tail-lamps. The exhaust is also new, with the standard model featuring a centrally-located trapezoidal exhaust. 

The sportscars also receive a revised steering system, which Porsche claims is more direct than the outgoing vehicles, and Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) is offered as an option. Inside, there is a revised dashboard and the latest infotainment system.

Both the sports cars see a significant decline in prices since Porsche has been able to take advantage of the tax breaks on vehicles powered by sub-3.0-litre engines costing below US$ 40,000 CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight). Porsche was able to aggressively price the recently launched 2.0-litre petrol variant of the Macan SUV as well due to its smaller engine and lower import price.