Porsche 718 (982)

Model Years Produced: 2017 to Current

Summary

The 718 is less an all-new generation, and more a heavy evolution of the previous “981” generation Boxster & Cayman. Much of the body and interior is the same as the 981, and the two generations share a large number of parts as well. This isn’t a bad thing – it’s hard to improve upon perfection. Many people don’t like the direction new Porsche interiors are taking, and the ability to buy a new car from them that still has matte surfaces with physical buttons is welcome. The 718, for its part, is one of the most balanced and rewarding driving experiences that money can buy, trading the raw power that its competitors like the C8 Corvette have for light weight, engaging steering, and a perfectly tuned chassis.

When Porsche introduced the 718 for model year 2017, the motoring world cried in unison about how sacrilegious it was to drop the iconic flat-six engines from the lineup and replace them with turbocharged four-cylinders. Six years later, it appears that Porsche themselves have felt a small amount of regret, introducing a new variant of their flat-six for use in the GTS, GT4/Spyder, and even throwing the bone-chilling GT3’s engine into the GT4RS.

The 2.0L and 2.5L flat-fours used in the base, T, S, and 2018-2019 GTS are a derivative of the “9A2” turbocharged 3.0L flat-six from the “991.2” 911, essentially the same engine but with two cylinders removed (and then bored out larger, in the case of the 2.5L). The 4.0L engine used in the later GTS 4.0 and GT4/Spyder is also based off the 9A2 3.0L, though it drops the turbos and bores the cylinders larger too.

For 2024, most models of the 718 have increased in price by $5100 except for the GT4RS, which jumped in price $13100. The 718 T is also gone for 2024, replaced by the “Style Edition” – which appears to be little more than a visual pack for the base model. The GT4 and Spyder are also gone for 2024, although a Spyder RS model is now available.

Model History

These are the trim levels available for each model year of the 718’s lifespan.

2017: Base, S
2018: Base, S, GTS
2019: Base, S, GTS
2020: Base, T, S, Spyder/GT4
2021: Base, T, S, GTS 4.0, Spyder/GT4, 25 Years
2022: Base, T, S, GTS 4.0, Spyder/GT4, 25 Years, GT4RS
2023: Base, T, S, GTS 4.0, Spyder/GT4, GT4RS
2024: Base, Style Edition, S, GTS 4.0, GT4RS/Spyder RS

Desirable Options

PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management): Adaptive shock absorbers which can vary their damping between soft/comfort and stiffer settings like “sport” and “sport plus.”
PSE (Porsche Sport Exhaust): Adds a bypass valve to the exhaust which can be enabled at the push of a button to make the exhaust louder. PSE should not be confused with Sport Tailpipes, which are merely an appearance item designed to change the look of the exhaust tailpipes without affecting sound or performance.
Sport Chrono: Adds several features – analog timer/clock on the dashboard, performance mode rotary switch on the steering wheel, launch control (PDK models only), rev-match (manual transmission models only), active driveline mounts which can stiffen or soften depending on the currently-selected drive mode, 10mm reduction in ride height on PASM-equipped models (20mm reduction in ride height on vehicles equipped with the PASM sport chassis).
Limited Slip Differential with PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring): Adds a limited slip rear differential and allows the computer to brake the inside rear wheel for additional cornering prowess. Manual transmission vehicles have a mechanical LSD, while PDK vehicles receive an electronic LSD (which is called PTV Plus).
Premium Package: Adds several features – Porsche Entry & Drive (keyless entry and ignition), heated seats, ventilated seats (leather seats only), blind spot monitoring, power folding mirrors, heated multifunction steering wheel, Light Design Package, storage net in passenger footwell.
Burmester Stereo: Very expensive upgraded stereo option ($4690 as of 2024) and one of the best car stereos you will ever hear.
Apple CarPlay: Not standard for most of the 718’s lifespan, so if you’re buying a used car, make sure it has been optioned. There are ways to hack it into the PCM system if you buy a car that doesn’t have it, but you do run a (small) risk of bricking the infotainment in the process.
Power Sport Seats or Adaptive Sport Seats Plus: Power versions of the two different seat designs that allow much greater adjustment than the 2-way/4-way manual versions.

Primary Criticisms

Major

None

Minor

Options dramatically increase the price of the car (if buying new, anticipate spending approximately $10-15k over the base price on optional features), which is especially an issue because…
Nothing comes standard. The 718 does not come with power seats, automatic climate control (on older models), or keyless ignition. Be prepared to either select a lot of options, or become extremely selective when you realize how expensive it is to add back features which you would get standard on a Honda Civic or on a competitor like the GR Supra or C8 Corvette.
The 4-cylinder engines have been criticized for sounding terrible, especially when not equipped with PSE. Several publications have likened the exhaust note to “a bag of rocks,” particularly between 2000-3000 rpm. PSE makes it somewhat more tolerable when at wide-open throttle, but the 4-cylinder engines simply don’t compare to the 6-cylinders when it comes to sound.
The base interior is adequate at around the $65k price-point…but on a $90-100k+ GTS, it feels very cheap for the price. If buying a more expensive version of the 718, it’s worth considering the full leather interior upgrade or one of the special interior packages available on some trim levels (such as the GTS Interior Package) – or making it a requirement for a used car.

Warranty

Information is as of 2023 model year

New

Limited: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain: 4 years/50,000 miles
Emissions: 8 years/80,000 miles
Corrosion (Perforation): 12 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance: 4 years/50,000 miles
Accessories: 2 years/unlimited miles
Courtesy Transportation/Loaner: Yes

Certified Pre-Owned

Repair Deductible: $0 per visit
Limited: 2 years/unlimited miles extension to original warranty (or from CPO purchase date if original warranty has expired)
Roadside Assistance: Yes
Courtesy Transportation/Loaner: Yes

Porsche dealers are allowed to certify cars up to 13yrs/124k miles in age.

Base / Style Edition

If you’re just looking for a simple sports car and you don’t care about luxury features or performance options like a limited-slip differential or adaptive suspension or a valved exhaust…get a Miata. Of course, if the Miata is too small or too slow or too flimsy for you, the base 718 is a pretty great choice too. 300hp is plenty to motivate its ~3000 lb curb weight, and the mid-engine layout means it is perfectly balanced and an utter joy to drive.

Reviews

Specifications

Body Style(s): Coupe, Convertible (soft top)
Engine: Porsche MA2.20 – 2.0L H4 turbocharged
Horsepower: 300 hp
Torque: 280 lb-ft
Transmission: Porsche PDK 7-speed automated dual-clutch, Porsche G82 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: RWD w/ open differential, mechanical and electronic limited-slip differentials are optional
Fuel Economy: 22 comb / 20 city / 26 hwy

Boxster

Curb Weight: 3021 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 198.6 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft
Starting Price: $72050 (Base) / $78350 (Style Edition)

Cayman

Curb Weight: 3040 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 197.4 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cu ft
Starting Price: $69950 (Base) / $76250 (Style Edition)

T

The 718 T is the perfect Porsche for those who want a pure driving experience. For the T, Porsche took the base 718 then added all the performance options which normally only come standard on the GTS model (PASM, PSE, Sport Chrono, limited slip differential with PTV) along with black tailpipes, 20″ grey wheels, sport seats, and the GT steering wheel. They also replaced the interior door handles with pull straps.

The T is at its best when kept basic without loading it up with options. It costs about $3k less than a similarly equipped base 718, and luxury features add weight, which run counterintuitive to the idea of a “pure” driver’s car.

Sadly, Porsche is axing the 718 T for the 2024 model year, but 2023 models can still be found new, and used/CPO vehicles are available too.

Reviews

Specifications

Body Style(s): Coupe, Convertible (soft top)
Engine: Porsche MA2.20 – 2.0L H4 turbocharged
Horsepower: 300 hp
Torque: 280 lb-ft
Transmission: Porsche PDK 7-speed automated dual-clutch, Porsche G82 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: RWD w/ standard mechanical limited-slip differential, electronic LSD optional
Fuel Economy: 22 comb / 20 city / 26 hwy

Boxster

Curb Weight: 3058 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 196.2 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft
Starting Price: $74600

Cayman

Curb Weight: 3064 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 195.8 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cu ft
Starting Price: $72500

S

The 718 S swaps out the 2.0L boxer-four for a 2.5L, bumping the power output by 50hp. The extra displacement provides noticeably more low-end torque, helping to alleviate some of the turbo-lag present on the base and T models of the 718. The S also adds 19″ wheels, but is otherwise identical to the base model in terms of standard features.

Reviews

Specifications

Body Style(s): Coupe, Convertible (soft top)
Engine: Porsche MA2.22 – 2.5L H4 turbocharged
Horsepower: 350 hp
Torque: 309 lb-ft
Transmission: Porsche PDK 7-speed automated dual-clutch, Porsche G82 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: RWD w/ open differential, mechanical and electronic limited-slip differentials are optional
Fuel Economy: 21 comb / 19 city / 24 hwy

Boxster

Curb Weight: 3071 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 227.9 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft
Starting Price: $84050

Cayman

Curb Weight: 3086 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 226.8 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cu ft
Starting Price: $81950

GTS

The original iteration of the 718 GTS only existed for model years 2018-2019 (there was no GTS model of any kind for model year 2020 in the US). The engine was the same 2.5L boxer-four from the S, but bumped up to 365hp thanks to a different tune.

Where the GTS shines is the performance features. Like the T, the GTS comes standard with PASM, PSE, Sport Chrono, and a limited slip differential with PTV. It also receives black 20″ wheels, sport seats, “SportDesign” bumpers and side skirts, and clear tail lights.

Reviews

Specifications

Body Style(s): Coupe, Convertible (soft top)
Engine: Porsche MA2.22 – 2.5L H4 turbocharged
Horsepower: 365 hp
Torque: 309 lb-ft
Transmission: Porsche PDK 7-speed automated dual-clutch, Porsche G82 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: RWD w/ standard mechanical limited-slip differential, electronic LSD optional
Fuel Economy: 21 comb / 19 city / 25 hwy
Price: No longer available new, but can be found used from the $60s and certified from the $70s

Boxster

Curb Weight: 3032 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 240.8 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft

Cayman

Curb Weight: 3032 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 240.8 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cu ft

GTS 4.0 / 25 Years

After a one-year hiatus, the GTS returned to the 718 lineup in model year 2021…but the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was gone. In its place was a naturally-aspirated 4.0L flat-six, still based off the turbocharged 3.0L in the 911 but making 394hp and redlining at a full 8000rpm (or 7800rpm in manual transmission models). It is quite possibly one of the most beautiful sounding engines out there, especially when PSE is turned on.

The “25 Years” trim of the Boxster was a limited edition version of the GTS 4.0 available for model years 2021-2022. Porsche produced 1250 examples, and all of them had 20″ five-spoke copper wheels and copper exterior trim; a Bordeaux Red leather interior with brushed aluminum trim; red fabric convertible top; and available exterior colors of GT Silver, Jet Black, and Carrera White.

Reviews

Specifications

Body Style(s): Coupe, Convertible (soft top)
Engine: Porsche 9A2 – 4.0L H6
Horsepower: 394 hp
Torque: 309 lb-ft
Transmission: Porsche PDK 7-speed automated dual-clutch, Porsche G82 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: RWD w/ standard mechanical limited-slip differential, electronic LSD optional
Fuel Economy: 19 comb / 17 city / 24 hwy

Boxster

Curb Weight: 3156 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 249.7 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft
Starting Price: $98950

Cayman

Curb Weight: 3166 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 248.9 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cu ft
Starting Price: $96850

GT4 / Spyder

The 718 Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 are essentially the same car – one is just the Boxster version, and one is the Cayman version. They use the same 4.0L engine as the GTS 4.0, but it’s been turned up to produce a full 414hp.

While the GTS was designed to be the nicest road-going version of the 718 possible, the GT4 and Spyder are track weapons. They keep all the fun performance options from the GTS but add a front axle and shocks from the 911 GT3 along with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and they’re a full 1.2 inches lower than the regular 718. The Spyder also ditches the power-folding roof from the regular Boxster with one that must be manually buttoned up and folded down from the outside, and both cars eschew interior door handles in favor of pull straps. Despite the aggressive suspension, though, they’re much more comfortable to drive on the road than the previous-generation 981 iterations.

The Spyder and GT4 may require some sacrifices in livability for their ownership, but if you’re seeking driving pleasure, it’s hard to imagine anything better.

Unfortunately, the GT4 and Spyder are dead for 2024.

Reviews

Specifications

Body Style(s): Coupe, Convertible (soft top)
Engine: Porsche 9A2 – 4.0L H6
Horsepower: 414 hp
Torque: 309 lb-ft
Transmission: Porsche PDK 7-speed automated dual-clutch, Porsche G82 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: RWD w/ standard mechanical limited-slip differential, electronic LSD optional
Fuel Economy: 19 comb / 17 city / 23 hwy

Boxster

Curb Weight: 3205 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 258.3 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft
Starting Price: $103400

Cayman

Curb Weight: 3208 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 258.1 hp/ton
Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cu ft
Starting Price: $106500