The magic starts with an aluminum-steel composite chassis, which makes for a lightweight yet incredibly rigid platform. Braking comes courtesy of 4-piston aluminum calipers on internally vented and cross-drilled discs, with pad wear sensors on each corner.
Interiors on the 718 Boxster and Cayman have excellent ergonomics, plus the newest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) that underlies everything from cell phone integration and audio interfaces to optional navigation with real-traffic updates, Google Street View and Apple Car Play. The electric roadster top features a wind deflector and heated glass rear window and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.
In the entry-level 718 Boxster and Cayman, the 2.0L turbocharged engine produces 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. For the 2.5L 718 Boxster and Cayman S, output is increased to 350 horsepower and 309 lb-feet. Both engines feature auto stop/start technology and both are mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, while Porsche's 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic is optional for all trims on each car save the GT4 and the Spyder. 2020 Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS are both powered by a 365-horsepower version of the same engine, while a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine powers the Cayman GT4 and the Boxster Spyder, making 414 hp.
The base trim Boxster and Cayman ride on 18-inch wheels and includes standard features such as an auto-extending rear spoiler, power one-touch windows, heated power mirrors, sport seats with electric backrest adjustment, automatic climate control with an active carbon filter, a 110-watt sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, park assist with a rear camera and PCM. The instrument cluster features triple round gauges with the tachometer front and center, while a high-resolution TFT display monitors vehicle settings and navigation, radio, and phone information. The 718 Boxster and Cayman S are similarly equipped, though they ride on 19-inch wheels.
The 718 T models distinguish themselves by being a bit more driver focused than the base model. The T models are powered by the same 2.0L engine as the base 718, however they get 20-inch wheels, Porsche's Sport Chrono package, Porsche Active Suspension Management and a shortened gear shift.
Several options are available on either car, including a BOSE or Burmester surround sound system, navigation integrated into PCM, 18-way adaptive sport seats, a GT Sport steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane change assist. The $7,400 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) add carbon fiber reinforced discs with yellow 6-piston calipers. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an electronically controlled damper system with NORMAL and SPORT settings. The Sport Chrono Package features an analog and digital stopwatch along with steering wheel-mounted controls for NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT PLUS settings to change engine, transmission and chassis responsiveness. Launch control is also included on cars equipped with the PDK transmission.
Sculpted Styling
Powerful Turbocharged Engines
Handling Precision
Excellent Engineering
A couple of new trims have been added to the Boxster/Cayman lineup for 2020. The Boxster T and Cayman T are aimed at driving enthusiasts who mostly just want a bare-bones sports car with a few features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. Meanwhile the Cayman GT4 and the Boxster Spyder sit at the top of the range and feature a 6-cylinder engine. Like the T models, the GT4 and Spyder trims are aimed at purist, however unlike the T, the GT4/Spyder feature a ton of power and revvy engines that can sing all the way up to 8,000 RPM.
In their new "718" guise, Porsche's Boxster and Cayman are better than they've ever been. Its lightweight body, exceptional mid-engine chassis dynamics and plenty of Porsche's legendary engineering know-how makes it one of the most well-balanced and best-handling cars available at any price.
