Porsche Spices Up the Base Boxster and Cayman with 2019 718 T Models

New model adds sporty touches, but power remains the same

2019 Porsche 718 T Boxster
2019 Porsche 718 T Boxster. [Photo: Porsche]

The 718 ‘Touring’ model gets a sports chassis paired with the base engine.

Porsche has added an enthusiast-focused equipment package to the base 718 Boxster and Cayman models to create the 718 T. Short for “Touring”, the 718 T Boxster and Cayman get 20-inch alloy wheels, a 3/4-inch drop (20 millimeters) and Porsche’s sports chassis by way of a standard Sport Chrono Package. The 718 T is only available with the base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Coupled to a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, the engine still puts out 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Hop inside the car, and you’ll notice a few unique touches that distinguish the 718 T from the standard car. “Boxster T” or “Cayman T” logos feature in the instrument dials, as well as the door entry sills. As with other lightweight models, there’s also black door pulls rather than the standard handles. You’ll also notice another curious omission: there’s no stereo. Porsche removed the infotainment system to offset the weight of a gasoline particulate filter, but owners can have it reinstalled as a no-cost option. 

The Touring model is available with a minor discount (5 to 10 percent) over the standard cars. The weight difference isn’t enough to make the 718 T any faster. Porsche claims the PDK version sprints to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and the top speed is 170 mph. If you put the car in Sport Plus mode, however, Porsche claims that 0-60 time goes down to 4.5 seconds. Other performance features include Porsche Torque Vectoring with a rear mechanical locking differential.

In Germany, the 718 T costs 63,047 euros including tax ($72,036), while the Boxster costs 65,070 euros ($74,348). We’ll have to wait and see how those prices translate to the U.S. market. No official information is available for the car’s arrival on our shores at this point.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!

Photos: Porsche