718 has a history attached to it. The 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports auto Porsche introduced back in 1957, which achieved great success in a number of renowned vehicle races around Europe. It’s made a decision to rename its next-generation Boxster and Cayman models as 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman hinting that two models will show “more similarities – both visual and technical”. It’s understood the base model Cayman could become the new entry-level Porsche in terms of pricing, even slotting under the Boxster which is now the most affordable model.
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When launched in markets, the Roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupé, similar to the price positioning in the 911 series, added the release.
Six-cylinder engines are set to be the preserve of more powerful range-topping versions of the two sports cars, including GTS versions of the pair and any future 718 Cayman GT4 or 718 Boxster Spyder. Whether it was competing at the 12-hour race in Sebring in 1960 or at the European Hill Climb Championship that ran between 1958 and 1961, the Porsche 718 prevailed against numerous competitors with its powerful and efficient four-cylinder flat engine.
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Porsche’s compact sports vehicle duo will be rebranded the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman as part of a significant overhaul in 2016. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1958, the 718 RSK with its 142-hp four-cylinder engine scored a class victory. This development also comes close on the heels of Porsche’s recent victory at the endurance racing discipline came with the 919 hybrid LMP1 racer, which uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. The company declined to elaborate but previous reports have suggested the cars will be offered with turbocharged 1.6- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines that produce up to 286 hp (213 kW).
