Porsche to Launch Entry-Level Sports Car Below Boxster in 2016
Porsche is preparing a new entry-level sports car for 2016, aimed at sitting below the Boxster with four-cylinder turbo engines and a lighter chassis.
Porsche is preparing to broaden its sports car line-up with the introduction of a new entry-level model, expected to arrive in 2016 and positioned below the current Boxster. This move aims to attract a wider audience by offering a more accessible entry point into Porsche ownership, with a car that is lighter, less powerful, and more affordable than its established roadsters.
Porsche’s Entry-Level Sports Car: What We Know So Far
Naming and Heritage: The Porsche 718
According to reports from French automotive media, the new model is internally referred to as the Porsche 718. This name is a nod to the marque’s motorsport history, last appearing on the racing cars produced between 1957 and 1962. By reviving the 718 name, Porsche is expected to highlight the car’s sporting credentials and connect it to a celebrated chapter in its racing heritage.
Platform and Design
The upcoming entry-level Porsche is anticipated to share its platform with the current Boxster, but with significant modifications to reduce weight and cost. The car is set to be trimmed down in both equipment and specification, helping it achieve a lower price point and a sharper, more focused driving experience. This strategy is designed to differentiate the new model from the Boxster and Cayman, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a purer sports car experience without the premium price tag.
Engine Options and Performance
A major shift for Porsche’s smallest sports cars is expected in the engine line-up. The entry-level version will likely be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing just over 286hp. For those desiring more performance, a higher-spec variant is planned with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering up to 360hp. This move away from the traditional naturally aspirated flat-six engines marks an important change in Porsche’s approach to its entry-level offerings.
- 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (over 286hp)
- 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (360hp, top variant)
The adoption of four-cylinder turbocharged engines is intended to help Porsche meet stricter emissions standards and keep production costs down, while still delivering the performance expected from the brand. The lighter chassis and simplified features should further reinforce the car’s position as a true driver’s car, focused on agility and affordability.
Market Position and Rivals
By introducing a model below the Boxster, Porsche is seeking to expand its customer base and offer a direct competitor to other entry-level sports cars. The new car is expected to be the lightest and most affordable Porsche sports car since the original Boxster’s debut. This strategy is also likely to attract buyers cross-shopping models such as the Alfa Romeo 4C and the upcoming entry-level McLaren, as well as other compact performance cars from rival manufacturers.
Porsche’s use of the 718 name, combined with the promise of a lighter and more focused sports car, is intended to reassure enthusiasts that the car will still deliver the driving excitement associated with the brand, even with fewer cylinders and less outright power than its stablemates.
What Remains Unknown
As of now, Porsche has not officially confirmed the project, and many details remain under wraps. Final naming, full specifications, pricing, and exact launch dates are yet to be announced. Industry observers expect more information to emerge closer to the car’s anticipated 2016 debut, as Porsche finalises its plans and prepares to reveal the car to the public.
Looking Ahead
Porsche’s intention to launch a new entry-level sports car marks a significant development for the brand, as it seeks to appeal to a broader audience and compete in a segment where agility, price, and driving purity are valued. The new model, anticipated to be called the 718, will draw on Porsche’s racing legacy while adapting to modern demands for efficiency and affordability. Enthusiasts and potential buyers alike will be watching closely for further updates as the car’s launch approaches.
For those interested in visual speculation about the new car’s appearance, digital renderings are available online, offering a glimpse of what the entry-level Porsche 718 might look like.
