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2019 Boxster 718: preserving Porsche purity

The triplicate of power soft-top convertibles is defined by horsepower — and more does not mean better — but changes are on the way for 2020

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There are three versions of the Porsche 718 Boxster for 2019, but it’s not a lineup of good, better, best. This triplicate of power soft-top convertibles is defined by horsepower — and more does not mean better.

The rear-wheel-drive, two-seat sports cars have either a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection flat four-cylinder engine. And Porsche is one of the few automakers that preserves the sanctity of a manual transmission — with an optional seven-speed PDK double-clutch automated manual, or Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe.

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When the Boxster was redesigned for 2017, Porsche dropped the choice of two six cylinder “boxer” engines for two turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder boxers. And the 718 designation was added to the nameplate in tribute to its racing cars of the 1950s and early ’60s. Porsche hadn’t had a four-cylinder production model since the 912 E ended production 40 years ago.

But wait, for 2020 the 718 will be powered by a new 414-horsepwer, 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine.

The biggest change for the 2019 model year for the Boxster and Cayman models is the addition of the sport-exhaust upgrade as standard for all models.

The entry-level Boxster, with 300-horsepower 2.0-liter and six-speed manual, starts at $60,250, including the $1,250 freight charge from Stuttgart, Germany. The step-up Boxster S, with another 50-hp from the 2.5-liter, starts at $72,650. And the high-strung, 365-hp Boxster GTS starts at $84,050. (And there also are triplicate trims for the hardtop 718 Cayman, all of which start at $2,100 less than the drop-top.)

Today’s tester is a low-optioned 718 with a sticker of $68,070. For those who can work a stick, this base Boxster embodies a simple Porsche purity of performance. If not, adding $3,210 for the PDK has benefits of a fuel-economy boost of 1 mpg and the transmission shaves four tenths of a second to 60 mph.

With a curb weight of 3,010 pounds and engine torque of 280 lb.-ft. torque from 1,950 to 4,500 rpm, Porsche cites 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds. It just feels quicker from the low ride height.

The manual has fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city, 28 highway and 24 combined on the recommended premium fuel. And among the more usable upgrades on the tester was the big-tank option for the S model’s 16.9-gallon tank, which adds another 2.7 gallons.

The $12,400 price step to the 718 S is steep for another 50 hp, but it might be the smart choice with the PDK transmission. Its heartier torque rating of 309 foot-pounds from 1,900-4,500 rpm will benefit low-speed acceleration.

But the base powertrain is the biggest seller for the 718 and its 300 hp is nimble to respond when prodded by the six-speed. The exhaust note is quite Porsche even with the sound generator (which sounded obnoxious with the 2.5-liter engine). There is good acceleration range before having to grab a gear, but the power is thin in second and third gears below 1,950 rpm, when the turbo catches a breath.

The car tracks with laser-guided calm and the steering is tactile but with a light touch. Sightlines are excellent out the front, at the side mirrors and over the hood. And while the wrap of the fabric top conceals rear corner glances, the wide rearview camera makes up for visibility when parking. The turning circle is tight at 36 feet.

Even the standard seats have 500-mile range, but the $530 heated-seat option is worth the cost and added weight. The simple sport seats with manual height adjustment cradle and support without extreme bolsters.

Safety feature include six air bags, safety bars behind seat headrests and stability and traction controls.

The tester had the suspension upgrade to Porsche’s electronic active damping system, another worthy upgrade for $1,790. When diving into a corner, it brings that happy smile when you feel the suspension working in the corners and the rear-drive bias pushing the driver firmly into the seat. The shifter slots precisely and the clutch is light, with a hill-holder.

Both models have four-wheel disc brakes, with 13-inch vented and perforated cast-iron rotors at the front and 11.8-inches vented and perforated rear; the Boxster S gets slightly thicker front rotors, 1.3 inches vs 1.1. The wide and wider 19-inch ZR-rated Pirelli P Zero tires have ideal stick and stability, with sizes of 235/40 front and 265/40 rear.

The one-button power top drops almost as quickly as the 718 gets to 60 mph and at speeds up to 31 mph. Air flow with the top down is well controlled at highway speeds, but with the top up there is noticeable road noise above 65 mph.

The 2020 718 Spyder (and hardtop 718 Cayman GT4) will reach U.S. dealers in spring 2020. The 718 Spyder starts at $97,650, including the $1,350 freight charge (the 718 Cayman starts at $100,550).

That’s a big price step for another 29 hp, but the base 2019 718 brings all the fundamentals of Porsche engineering without having to pile on thousands in upgrades.

2019 Porsche Boxster

  • Body style: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive 2-seat convertible; aluminum doors and trunk lids
  • Engine: 300-hp, turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with auto stop-start at idle; 280 lb.-ft. torque at 1,950-4,500 rpm
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Fuel economy: 21/28/24 mpg
  • 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Fuel tank: 14.2 gal.
  • Trunk space: 5.2 cu. ft. front, 4.4 cu. ft. rear
  • Front head/leg room: NA in.
  • Length/wheelbase: 172.4/97.4 in.
  • Curb weight: 2,944 lbs. (3,010 lbs. w/PDK)
  • Turning circle: 36 ft.

FEATURES

  • Standard equipment includes: leather-trimmed upholstery, power insulated soft top, sport seats with manual height adjustment, electric parking brake, automatically extended rear spoiler, underbody aero panels, 6-speaker audio system, 2 USB ports, 2 SD card slots, Bluetooth phone connection, park assist tones, bi-Xenon headlights with LED running lights, LED taillights
  • Safety features include: 6 air bags, safety bars behind seat headrests, Porsche stability management system, brake prefill

PRICING

  • Base price: $60,250, including $1,250 freight charge; price as tested $68,070
  • Options on test vehicle: Extended range fuel tank $140; heated seats $530; 19-inch Boxster S wheels $1,980; Porsche Active Suspension Management $1,790; Apple CarPlay $360; auto-dimming mirrors with rain sensor $700; navigation system $2,320
  • Where assembled: Stuttgart, Germany
  • Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles with 24-hour roadside assistance
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