New 718 T variants bring the ‘back to basics, stack on fun’ treatment to the Boxster and Cayman
STUTTGART, Germany
Porsche has announced the latest model variant for its fun-filled, two-seater sports coupe 718 range: The 718 T.
The ‘T’ model designation will be familiar to 911 fans, as the 911 T has been around for decades. ‘T’ stands for ‘touring’ which has come to refer to a car that’s been reduced to the essentials for driving fun.
In the 911 T that encompasses less weight, via thinner windows, no infotainment, and a host of features to sharpen up the drive, such as all-wheel steering.
The 718 T model – it’s available for both the 718 Boxster (above left) and 718 Cayman (above right) – has less of the weight reduction and more of the ‘add on dynamic stuff’ approach.
Both 718 T models are 1,380kg, or 15kg heavier than the base 718 equivalents – the T package is available only with the base 300hp, 2.0-litre flat four engine.
But what they do have is quite worth the weight:
PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) with a 20mm lower ride height, Sport Chrono Package (with driving modes), and the new Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts, which quell gearbox vibrations and improve handling.
The 718 T also has 20-inch alloy wheels, ‘model name T’ badges on the interior, a sports exhaust with black tips.
There are still some token weight-saving measures: Door pulls instead of handles, and the buyer can also choose to delete the infotainment system at no additional cost.
Like the 911 T, optioning all the extra equipment on a base 911 is actually more expensive, and Porsche says a buyer saves about five to 10 percent with the T package overall.
The car is estimated to arrive in Singapore in late 2019.
