The release of the 718 Boxster T and Cayman T, are a sports car fanatic’s dream come true. The ‘T’ (standing for ‘Touring’ and not ‘Turbo’ as many may assume) creates a class of Porsche vehicles made for journeys. This results in some dynamic changes from the standard entry-level 718 models, creating an intermediate option between the aforementioned 718 model and the higher end 718S. This is Porsche providing a lighter, cheaper, fuel efficient pure driving experience.
What’s Different?
As always, the most important question is what makes these vehicles different to their predecessors. Let’s take a look:
1.) No Infotainment System
For the European market, the 718T comes out the box without the familiar Infotainment system. Instead, it has the standard radio and box compartment where the console would be. This is in interest of the ‘Touring’ concept, to be more of an old-fashioned driving experience, as well as, making the car 15 pounds lighter. The option is there to have the infotainment system installed in your 718T at no extra cost should you want it. This will however negate the promise of a lighter vehicle, as the inclusion makes the car’s weight the same as the standard 718.
2.) Porsche Active Suspension Management
The 718T models have been dropped 0.79 inches, making it an extremely low ride. You may be asking why do that? The lowering of the car is a result of the installation of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). What PASM does is adjust the suspension system according to the way you are driving and the condition of the road. This system also allows you to select one of three modes available; Normal, Sport, and Sports Plus. All of these adapt your cars suspension.
3.) Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts
The Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts have found their way from the 911 into the Boxster and Cayman. Porsche fans will immediately recognize that the introduction of these mounts into these vehicles is an interesting addition to the 718 models. But if you are unfamiliar with why this is interesting it is because these mounts allow for a smoother driving experience. When driving at lower RPMs, the mounts soften which smoothens the drive. At higher RPMs, Porsche’s technology comes to play with a series of electric charges being sent into the mount fluid, causing the mount to become almost stiff. All of this allows for a more comfortable and pleasing driving experience.
4.) Specs and Looks
Both the Boxster T and Cayman T have 4-cylinder 2-liter engines, each boasting 295 HP at 6500 RPM, as well as 280 ft-lb torque at 2150 RPM. This allows for a top speed of 170 mph and 0-60 of 4.9 seconds (manual six-speed transmission) or 4.7 seconds (PDK transmission). The six-speed transmission is the default transmission system, cementing Porsche’s vision with the ‘T’ model as a pure driving experience. The option for a PDK transmission is available for those looking to lose an extra split second off their lap time.
Even though these are the first 718T models, they still look so familiar. They come with a similar interior as the other versions of the 718, such as the two electric adjustable sports seats, the leather wrapped steering wheel and the 718 logos and branding. The typical colors are available as well as 2 new options specifically for the 718T models; Miami Blue and Lava Orange.
The question still remains though, where do the new 718T models fit in with the current line-up of Porsches? Some would say the “T” models indicates Porsche desire to please the general population of their drivers, as these vehicles are readily available as a regular model. They are also a much more affordable version of the 718, signaling that maybe Porsche are really trying to pursue their version of the people’s car.