New Entry-Level Porsche Roadster Dubbed 718 Green Lighted for 2016

[kach22i]

New Entry-Level Porsche Roadster Dubbed 718 Green Lighted for 2016
New Entry-Level Porsche Roadster Dubbed 718 Green Lighted for 2016

As it stands, the Porsche Boxster occupies a relatively contested space in the sports car market. With rivals like the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan 370Z Roadster, entry-level Jaguar F-Type, BMW Z4 Roadster and the Alfa Romeo 4C just to name few, customers in this market really are spoilt for choice. However, if new reports prove to be accurate, a sub-Boxster sports car from Porsche is in the works and will undercut all the aforementioned cars and provide an interesting and cheaper alternative.

The car is tentatively dubbed the Porsche 718 at this stage and will affectively be a spiritual successor to the original Porsche 550 Spyder from the 1950s. It will likely ride on a modified variant of the Boxster’s platform and keeping weight down will be a key aim of Porsche engineers.

Engine wise, we expect to see the small capacity four-cylinders set to be featured in the next-generation Boxster and Cayman, to be featured on the Porsche 718. These engines will displace 2.0-litres and 2.5-litres respectively and when fitted to the 718, could produce from 280 hp up to 350 hp with both manual and automatic transmissions being reportedly given the go-ahead for the production car. Ensuring that the Porsche 718 remains a true driver’s car, it will only be available as a rear-wheel drive model.

In terms of weight, expect the Porsche 718 to rival the always lightweight Porsche Elise and Exige duo.

The Porsche 718 could be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2016.

Just another rumor?

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[sketchers356]

That picture is just a Boxster

[kaisen]

They've been testing the flat fours for quite a while now. That's a given, likely in a Boxster too.

[Jon B]

Originally Posted by kach22i

In terms of weight, expect the Porsche 718 to rival the always lightweight Porsche Elise and Exige duo.

Probably will be similar in weight to the Porsche Miata.

[Rot 911]

Of course the real question will be the price. I just don't see how they can keep the Porsche quality and sporting characteristics and get the price much lower than a base Boxster.

[sammyg2]

These engines will displace 2.0-litres and 2.5-litres respectively and when fitted to the 718, could produce from 280 hp up to 350 hp

How can they expect to get that kind of performance from a small 4 when they can't get it from a bigger six?

[kach22i]

Article says would be based on the Boxster, hence the image of a Boxster supplied.

Previous spy shots rumored testing of an Audi 4-cylinder turbo, not a flat four.

That might help keep the cost down, right?

No way in hell is a Boxster based chassis going to weigh in around the same weight of a Lotus Elise. You could take the engine out of a Boxster and it would still weigh more than the Elise with an engine (I'm guessing but might be true).

[javadog]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

How can they expect to get that kind of performance from a small 4 when they can't get it from a bigger six?

turbos...

Stolen from the 'net:


A report coming out of Germany indicates Porsche's oft-rumored entry-level model has been given the green light for a 2016 launch.

Tentatively called 718, Porsche's entry-level model will take the form of a small roadster loosely billed as the successor to the 550 Spyder race car built in the 1950s and the 914 that was introduced in 1969. It will ride on a modified Boxster platform but it will be much lighter than its more expensive sibling thanks to noticeably reduced dimensions with short overhangs on both ends and the widespread use of aluminum and high-strength steel in its construction.

To further shed weight, the 718 will be equipped with thinner glass all around and a fabric soft top with a plastic rear window. Sound deadening will be kept to a minimum in order to lower the car's overall weight to 2,623 pounds, a figure that would make the roadster just a few pounds heavier than a Lotus Exige S Roadster and 264 pounds lighter than the slimmest Boxster.

The 718's entry-level positioning won't make it a low-cost car, and its cockpit will remain well-built and well-appointed. Bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, a touch screen-based infotainment system and a comprehensive selection of analog gauges will be part of the package.

Power will come from a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that will send 286 horsepower to the rear wheels via either a manual or a dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Buyers after more grunt will be able to select a 2.5-liter version of the boxer mill rated at 360 horsepower, and additional variants will likely join the lineup over the course of the production run.

If the rumor proves true, the Porsche 718 could be unveiled at the 2016 edition of the Geneva Motor Show and go on sale in the United States and in Europe shortly after. In Germany, the roadster will reportedly carry a base price of €39,000 (approximately $53,300), €10,000 (roughly $13,700) less than the most affordable Boxster.

Read more: Details emerge on Porsche's entry-level roadster | New and Used Car Reviews, Research & Automotive-Industry News & LeftLaneNews

[javadog]

[Holger]

Yes, but: Auto Bild.
Its like the Onion sometimes.
And they are known to be good with Photoshop!

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Holger

Yes, but: Auto Bild.
Its like the Onion sometimes.
And they are known to be good with Photoshop!

Well, it's not like Porsche is handing out detailed photos of what they are tinkering with..

At least it isn't a Boxster photo and does show the smaller size, shorter overhangs, etc.

JR

[john70t]

Lightweight: Crumple zones, airbags, power steering, ABS, TCS, cameras, wireless connectivity,...

[kach22i]

javadog, where did that image come from?

I did a search, all I got was this cropped version with an article in Italian?


In arrivo nel 2016 la nuova Porsche 718
In arrivo nel 2016 la nuova Porsche 718 » SosTariffe.it


Nice artist rendering, if it looked like that it would sell.

A turbo flat four would be great, but I wonder what happened to that Audi powered mule of last year?

[intakexhaust]

It'll made in India with old Pontiac Solstice tooling. OK.... me bad.

[HardDrive]

[kach22i]

I love these cab-forward designs, but they are going to cramp the leg room more so than the current Boxster.

How far back from the windshield will they be sitting to get that "look"?

Let's hope for the best.

[BReif61]

Well, it's about time they made another NARP. I feel like the Boxster/Cayman twins are beginning to be accepted by most people. Gotta keep the 914's and the 944's heritage up!

Also, had me until this part:

Originally Posted by javadog

It will ride on a modified Boxster platform but it will be much lighter than its more expensive sibling thanks to noticeably reduced dimensions with short overhangs on both ends and the widespread use of aluminum and high-strength steel in its construction.

This clearly rules out a Porsche design.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by kach22i

javadog, where did that image come from?

Neuauflage: Der Porsche 718 kehrt zurück - autobild.de

[javadog]

I just find it ironic that the original Boxster was touted as the spritual successor to the 550. Now, they are saying similar things about this one.

I'd probably buy one, if they build it.

JR

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by javadog

Neuauflage: Der Porsche 718 kehrt zurück - autobild.de

Very cool, thanks.

I really hope R. Varicak's artwork is close to the final product.

Neuauflage: Der Porsche 718 kehrt zurück - autobild.de