New Porsche 718 Boxster Previewed. To be launched in August.

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia revealed the new Boxster 718 for the first time in Malaysia last week at the Porsche World Roadshow 2016 at the Sepang International Circuit.

The two-seat convertible, which is due to make its Malaysian debut in August, is now more powerful yet more fuel-efficient than the outgoing Boxster, and continues the tradition of the four-cylinder flat engines that were used in the Porsche 718 mid-engine sports cars that won numerous races back in the 1950s and 1960s.  

The main highlight of the new Boxster series is the newly developed 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder flat engines which develop 300hp (Boxster) and 350hp (Boxster S) respectively.

In the S-model, Porsche uses a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, making it the only manufacturer to offer VTG technology in production cars with petrol-driven engines, both in the 911 Turbo and in the 718 Boxster S.

Performance wise, the new 718 Boxster with PDK and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds faster), while the Boxster S with the same equipment completes this discipline in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster). The top speed of the 718 Boxster is 275 km/h, and the 718 Boxster S has a top speed of 285 km/h.

Outside, the front end of the new Boxster exhibits a much more sculptural form, where the air intakes are larger, and the front end of the car is rounded out by the new design of the bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED day-time running lights. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are also available as a new option.

From a side view, identifying features of the new model line include new, independently styled wings and side sills. Larger air inlet panels with two fins emphasise the car's dynamic look. The doors are now designed without door handle recess covers.

The redesigned rear body of the 718 Boxster has a wider look as well – especially due to the accent strip with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The entirely redeveloped tail lights are distinguished by their three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights.

That said, watch this space for the launch news in a couple of weeks.

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