Porsche 718

The Porsche 718’s interior is truly a dreamy sight for car enthusiasts and regular car admirers alike. Common to all variants is Porsche’s Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system which has voice control, sound package plus, smartphone integration, and USB ports. The latest gasoline-engine models have modern features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One of the beautiful aspects of the 718 is its performance-oriented ergonomics, which provides class-leading comfort while driving at high speeds on free-flowing highways and city roads. Its interior is equipped with electrically-adjustable sports seats and premium leather upholstery. You can also avail trim packages that give the inside of your vehicle a sportier and aggressive vibe. 

Common to all Porsche 718 variants is the clean and luxurious boxy-shaped design, which is definitely an image you see in movies. The Cayman and Boxster are both sculpted with a mid-engine flyline body, which for others, including myself, is more proportionate than the 911’s rear engine build. The silhouette of this sports car, regardless of the variant, is enhanced by a perfect blend of curves and clearly-defined shapes to go along with its smooth signature front bumper. 

The Cayman and Cayman S are equipped with a rear wing that reduces lift for better traction and automatically extends when a driver starts to run at 125 kmph. This shows that Porsche not only focuses on the aesthetics of their car, but also the functionality of its parts.

Meanwhile, the Boxster and Boxster S are given soft tops as their convertible roofs, which can be automatically controlled with a push of a button. These variants were designed to add a little more sophistication to the already luxurious identity of the 718. Style Edition variants, on the other hand, offer perfectly-blended contrast packages that add flavor to its exciting appearance.

Aside from these, GTS 4.0 models are equipped with larger air intakes, airblades, and a black front spoiler lip, all of which further emphasize this model’s appetite for motorsport. Faster RS variants offer more unique designs that showcase Porsche’s class-leading mastery of sports car engineering. 

In terms of dimensions, the Porsche 718’s length ranges from 4,379 mm to 4,456 mm. Its width ranges from 1,801 mm to 1,822 mm, while its height ranges from 1,252 mm to 1,295 mm. Lower variants run on 19-inch Boxster S wheels, while higher variants use the premium 20-inch 718 Cayman GT4 RS forged aluminum wheels.

In terms of suspension, the 718 uses Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM). Thanks to this suspension, you’ll be able to precisely control your 718 and firmly turn during corners or blind spots. You will also be able to drive this car at ease without exerting too much effort thanks to the agile handling that the PASM gives. 

The Porsche 718 offers three engine options - 4-cylinder turbo boxer-engine with 2.0L displacement, 4-cylinder turbo boxer-engine with 2.5L displacement, and the stronger flat 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 4.0L displacement. Variants with the first engine type, like the Cayman and Boxster, have a maximum power output of 300 PS, a maximum torque output of 380 Nm, and a top speed of 275 kmph. Variants with the second engine, the Cayman S and Boxster S, have a maximum power output of 350 PS, a maximum torque of 420 Nm, and a top speed of 285 kmph. 

Meanwhile, variants with the third engine, the GTS 4.0 models, Spyder RS, and the GT4 RS, have a maximum power range of 400 to 500 PS, maximum torque range of 430 to 450 Nm, and top speed range of 288 to 315 kmph. 

All variants run on the Porsche Doppelkupplung (DPK) or the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (automatic) with gearshift paddles for a hint of manual control. However, the GTS 4.0 variants have another gear type option, which is the 6-speed manual transmission with dual-mass flywheel. 

Regardless of variant, the Porsche 718 boasts a powerful but intuitive driving experience. To put it simply, you and your 718 become one in terms of maneuvering. Hence, when you drive this bad boy, you’ll have responsive handling and just an overall light cruising experience. 

The Porsche 718 is also equipped with standard safety features and advanced driver assistance mechanisms such as adaptive cruise control, lane change assistance, ParkAssist, which is composed of four well-hidden sensors at the front and rear, as well as the Porsche Active Safe. In terms of braking, this car utilizes four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed brake calipers with black or red finish. 

Even though an electric version of the Porsche 718 is rumored to be on its way, it is undeniable that its gasoline engine-powered variants are way ahead of their time. The 718 is a great choice if you are looking for a sports car that is really effortless to drive but is loaded with immense power.