The new Porsche 718 Boxster has been revealed with key details announced with UK and European order books opening last night.

THE PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER is more than just a new name for the 20-year old sports car. The new-generation, mid-engined two seater debuts a new flat four cylinder boxer engine (harking back to the glory days of the 718) for both the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder fitted to the 718 Boxster makes 220kW (a gain of 26kW on the old model) and 380Nm (a gain of 100Nm) from 1950-4500rpm, while the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the 718 Boxster S makes 257kW and 420Nm from 1900-4500rpm. Porsche claims that despite offering more power the new engines are more fuel efficient realising 13% improvements in fuel economy and 718 Boxster.

The 718 Boxster – with cost optional PDK double-clutch automatic transmission and the Sport Chrono Package – sprints from 0 – 100km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.8 seconds quicker). The equivalent 718 Boxster S accomplishes this in 4.2 seconds (0.6 seconds faster). The top speed of the 718 Boxster is 275 km/h and the 718 Boxster S has a top speed of 285 km/h.

Each 718 model is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), “which now features fuel-saving ‘virtual gears’ previously introduced on the 911 model series, is available as a cost option”. The power steering has been tweaked to be 10% more direct. Nice.

Besides the luggage compartment lids, windscreen and powered roof, all of the body panels are new. So to is the design of the dashboard, and the latest-generation “Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with state-of-the-art touchscreen and mobile phone preparation included as standard. The navigation module is available as an option”. Ouch. It’s likely the model in Australia will be specced differently with sat-nav included. Maybe.

The front of the 718 Boxster now looks wider and more aggressive than before with larger cooling intakes while new bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights have been fitted. Look at the thing in profile and you’ll notice the larger air inlets and the doors are now designed without a a door recess cover. At the rear, like the front, the 718 Boxster looks wider – emphasized by the accent strip with integrated ‘Porsche’ badge between the tail lights. The tail lights have been completely re-designed, and are distinguished by three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights.

Available as a cost option is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which is combined with a 10mm lower ride height. For the first time, a PASM Sport Chassis with a 20mm lower ride height can also be specified as a cost option for the 718 Boxster S. The settings for the active chassis have also been re-tuned.

As in the 911 models, the optional Sport Chrono Package now comprises the Individual programme in addition to the three settings Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. In combination with the PDK transmission, the Sport Response Button is added, which is located at the middle of the Mode switch.

Australian details are expected to be released shortly.