What's New
- The core lineup remains the same
- The GT4 and Spyder get a revised 4.0-liter, non-turbo flat-six engine with 414 horsepower and 309 pound-feet and an 8,000 rpm redline
Pros & Cons
- Lightweight design promotes dynamic superiority
- Predictable, poised and balanced handling
- Affordable compared to 911
- Options and trim levels drastically raise the price tag
- Limited cargo room
Porsche 718 Overview
Even as Porsche’s entry-level model, the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster, its topless counterpart, aren’t left wanting for handling and performance. Their forte is delivering pure, unfiltered driving engagement and rewarding skilled drivers with precise dynamics. However, like the rest of Porsche’s lineup, higher-level trims translate to lower lap times and higher price tags.
718 is or Engines range from the base-level 300 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder to the 911-sourced 414-horsepower 4.0-liter boxer six-cylinder in the track-focused GT4.
Ever since Porsche killed off its front-engine coupes and replaced them with the Boxster in 1995 (joined later by the Cayman), the company has given the public reason to pause and realize what balance truly means. If you’re looking for one of the most expertly built sportscars on the market that isn’t named “911,” the 718 is a good place to start.
Trim Specifications
The 718 might be the “entry-level” Porsche, but it’s not to be underestimated. It’s small, lightweight and the turbocharged flat-four sits midship, which all adds up to one finely tuned sports car in both Cayman coupe and Boxster roadster trim.
The base car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 300-horsepower flat-four engine, while the S trim ups the output to 350 horsepower. Porsche’s PDK automatic is optional. The 718 GTS models increase engine displacement to 2.5-liters, the resultant 365-horsepower enough to push it to a claimed 180 mph top speed.
Go up in trim levels to the GT4 (“718 Spyder” in roadster trim), and you’ll find the 718 family claims some of the most well-balanced and approachable cars on the road today. Powered by a naturally aspirated 414-horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six engine, it channels the Porsche models of yore right up to its 188-mph claimed top speed. New 718 GTS Cayman and Boxster models powered by the same six-cylinder brole cover earlier this year.
Porsche’s lengthy and intricate option sheets have achieved near-mythical status, and the 718 Cayman and Boxster do little to disrupt the narrative.
Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles
4 Years/50,000 Miles
12 Years/Unlimited Miles
4 Years/50,000 Miles
1 Years/10,000 Miles
Specs & Safety
Porsche 718 Specification
Porsche 718 Safety
NHTSA: Not Rated