Porsche has introduced its entry-level sportscars, the Boxster and the Cayman, in their latest 718 avatars at ₹85.53 lakh and ₹81.63 lakh respectively (prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
The ‘718’ moniker is a throwback to older Porsche race cars that came with four-cylinder engines, and like them, the new Boxster and Cayman get four-cylinder turbocharged units. This is unlike the naturally-aspirated flat-six motors that powered the older models.
Both cars get the same 300hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine which replaces the older 2.7-litre six-cylinder unit. Sadly, the ‘S’ versions of the Cayman and Boxster, which gets a 350hp, 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, will not be available in India, at least for now.
The cars come with a high-tech seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard, and can sprint from 0-100kph in 4.7sec and reach to a speed of 275kph.
Like most model updates of Porsche cars, there’s not much information that tells about the new Boxster and Cayman from the older models. Changes come in the form of revised front and rear bumpers, revised air intakes for better cooling, and mildly tweaked headlamps and tail-lamps. Another way to differentiate the new models is their centrally positioned exhaust.
Porsche has given the 718s a new steering wheel, and a new infotainment system.
However, the big change is in the prices of the car. Thanks to the smaller engines, the cars attract a lower tax bracket, and as a result, they are up to ₹20 lakh cheaper than before.