Imagine how good a smaller and cheaper mid-engined Porsche sports car will be. According to a report from Germany, you won’t have to, as it’s reportedly been green-lit for production and set to make its debut in two years’ time.
German magazine Autobild says it will be (code?)named 718 and act as somewhat of a spiritual successor to the 550 Spyder, so you can expect styling cues that hark back to that model, in order to give a sense of history. Additionally, in-keeping with the 550’s uber-lightweight philosophy, engineers will desperately try keep the mass of the modified Boxster platform down.
Engine data is still sketchy, but it’s pretty obvious the mainstay powerplants will be four-cylinder boxers; there’s been far too much talk about that and hype built around it to not be true, plus we have this odd mule that all but confirms it…
In regards to the power output, it’s believed there will be two different displacements: 2.0- and 2.5-liter, with power ranging from 280-ish to 350-ish horsepower. Manual or automatic gearboxes will be on offer, with no option to go for an all-wheel drive model.
The weight of the 718 will be a prime concern of the engineers working on it. Apparently, the goal is to have a Lotus Exige-rivaling curb weight, evidently without too many toys fitted, as these have a negative effect on performance and handling, acting as ballast; you’ll certainly feel every extra strip of chrome on the dash in this car.
Finally, it’s been speculated by the same German source that the car will be revealed at the 2016 edition of the Geneva Motor show, with a base price kicking off at ~$53,000 or €39,000.
By Andrei Nedelea
Note: Photos below of Boxster prototype
PHOTO GALLERY
