The Better Base: 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman T
Porsche’s new 718 Boxster and Cayman T are following a trail blazed by the 911 Carrera T by becoming the value option for enthusiasts. Equipped with the entry-level engine, T-trimmed models receive swathes of standard equipment that focus exclusively on expanding the “joy of dynamic driving.”
For the 718, that bundles the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Active Suspension Management (lowing the car by almost an inch), torque vectoring (with a locking rear differential), 20-inch wheels, and a short-throw shifter with the standard 2.0-liter, turbo flat-four. That leaves buyers to make do with 295 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a car that’s not really any quicker in a straight line but superior in the corners. Of course, speed hunters can still ditch the six-speed manual for the PDK.
The manufacturer claims 60 mph arrives in 4.5 seconds in the 718 T with the PDK and Sport Chrono. Top speed is rated by the manufacturer at 170 mph for both the Cayman and the droptop.
Porsche also replaced its branded communication management (infotainment) module with large storage compartment to help offset the additional weight created by the installation of the European-mandated gasoline particulate filter (GPF). The United States doesn’t require the GPF but is required to have a rear-view camera, mandating the inclusion of the infotainment module. Meanwhile, European customers can ask to have the system re-installed at no extra charge.
As for the interior, T models receive fabric door pulls, gloss black center console trim, two-way electric seats, GT sports steering wheel, and unique lettering for the gears on the manual variants. There’s also a bunch of T-centric badging, which extends to the exterior as well. However, the gray mirror shells and black chrome-plated tailpipes should give it away before you read the emblems.
While the manufacturer declined to include an MSRP with its announcement, it did say the Boxster and Cayman T would “enjoy a price advantage of 5–10 percent compared to a similarly equipped basic model.” Phrased that way, it doesn’t sound like much of a bargain. But you’ll actually be saving yourself a few thousand bucks by not buying those performance goodies à la carte.
It might not be the kind of deal cash-strapped individuals who lust after the brand were looking for, but it’s a deal nonetheless.
[Images: Porsche]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I can't think of another car that made such a jump stylistically than the Cayman from Gen1 to Gen2. Absolutely gorgeous.I'd rather have the slower flat 6 version of the Gen2 though.They sound pretty sweet.
When I hit "F u money" levels, I think a Gen2 Cayman GTS or GT4, and a Macan Turbo (for wifey) could potentially join my motor pool of JDM rice-mobiles. The Cayman's gotta have a flat-6 though.....if I'm stuck with a 2.0L flat-4, I might as well buy a used Toyobaru 86/BRZ and slap a supercharger on top.