The 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster is the new avatar of the 1957 Porsche 718 racing car. The new 718 continues the spirit that the old 718 showed on the racing tracks carrying podium finishes. The 2017 Porsche 718 like its predecessors, are a car to break the standard and inspire conviction. The Porsche 718 is available in two models- Cayman (hardtop) and Boxster (convertible). Both have the same configuration except for the roofs. This car was made to combine the sports legacy set by 1963 718 with new technology and deliver a car that would write a legend of its own.
The Porsche 718 was first built between 1957 and 1962 as a racing car. Early 718 had a mid-engine layout with a 142HP 1.5L type 547/3 quad-cam engined of Porsche 550A. It first made its racing debut at the 1957 24 hours of Le Mans. Porsche 718 finished overall third in Le Mans next year and won the European Hill Climb Championship in 1958 and 1959. The two-seater sports car was adapted to compete in different racing championships including Formula 1, Le Mans, Hill Climb championships and evolved as per the regulations. The 718 Porsche has a significant history in racing and this has been instilled in the 2017 Porsche 718.
The new 718 is available in variants that have different engine power. 2017 718 has dished out natural aspirated flat-6 engine with a turbocharged flat-4.The normal version has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder generating 300 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. The S version has a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 350 HP and generating 309 lb-ft torque. The power produced by the new engines is 35 HP more than the old flat-6 and 2.0L engine has 74 lb-ft whereas 2.5L has 43 lb-ft more torque than the outgoing natural aspirated engine.
Both models are based on the architecture of the drive-train of Porsche 911 and shares many parts and technology. It has the airflow techniques that Porsche 911 Carrera employs to reduce the effort to spool the turbo for generating boost. The performance has increased from hot to very hot. The axle parts are lightweight made from aluminum making the vehicle lighter. Long and wide wheelbase provides precise handling. The steering automatically adjusts for driver comfort during fast or low speed.
The 718 Porsche is equipped with Porsche Stability Management which improves traction under acceleration on inconsistent road surfaces. The Active Suspension management system adjusts the damping force on each wheel based on road conditions. It results in a high level of stability, safety, and agility. It also has sports button to select the suspension setup for choosing between comfort and sports performance.
The 718 has two options for choosing gearboxes- the standard 6-speed manual or an optional 7-speed paddle shifted dual-clutch automatic. The 6-speed manual transmission provides smooth gear shifting while keeping the shifting effort low and enhancing the sporty feel. The 7-speed PDK is optional, offers extremely fast gear shifts with improved acceleration and reduced fuel consumption. It is also equipped with four-piston aluminum brake calipers enclosed with monobloc construction for strengthening and quick response.
With the sports steering wheel, stylish center console, center positioned rev counter and round instruments, 7-inch touch screen display, navigation module etc. all features provides elegant, sporty and refined feel that Porsche is known for delivering. The Porsche 718 is a car that takes inspiration from its predecessor and follows up on its legacy.
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