Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman confirmed for 2016 – facelift models to get flat-four turbo engine

Porsche has just confirmed that it will be adopting a new naming strategy for its coming Boxster and Cayman facelift models, called the 718 series. The new 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will be introduced in 2016.

Powering the new 718 models will be the long-rumoured flat-four turbocharged engine that has been anticipated since early 2014. At the time, the now former Porsche CEO, Matthias Muller, said, “we will continue with the downsizing strategy and develop a new four-cylinder boxer engine, which will see service in the next-generation Boxster and Cayman.”

No specifications were revealed in the announcement, but rumours suggest that up to three versions of the engine are likely to appear. These include a 200 hp 1.6 litre, a 290 hp 2.0 litre, and a 335 hp 2.5 litre. Reports have also previously suggested that there is room for a 400 hp version too.

Of the new naming strategy, Porsche says that, “the 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The latest example is the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, which also has a highly-efficient, turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 litre engine.”

That history Porsche speaks off particularly includes a successful 718 racer from the 1950s (pictured above). The open-cockpit successor to the 550 Spyder was fiercely competitive in its prime, challenging for wins in the 12-hour race at Sebring in the 1960s. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1958, a 718 RSK with 142 hp even scored a class victory.

GALLERY: 2016 Porsche Cayman spyshots

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