Porsche reveals stripped-out 718 T pair

PORSCHE has continued the rollout of its stripped-out, lightweight T variant from its 911 coupe range to the 718 Boxster and Cayman, but an Australian debut for the coupe and convertible pair still remains up in the air.

 

According to Porsche Cars Australia (PCA), the company is currently evaluating the 718 T, and there is currently no confirmation or timing for a local arrival.

 

Typically, PCA encourages all new Porsche models and variants to be brought Down Under, and introduced the Carrera T to the local range last year. The ‘T’ stands for ‘Touring’ in Porsche language, and is used for variants that increase driving purity through lighter weight and sharper responsiveness.

 

The 718 T is based on the specification of the entry-level 2.0-litre Boxster and Cayman, but adjusts a number of features to create what the car-maker describes as “a particularly emotional Porsche driving experience”.

 

Porsche fans can distinguish the T from the regular 718 by its 20-inch alloy wheels finished in high-gloss titanium grey, and a Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) chassis that has been lowered by 20mm, representing the first time such a feature has been offered with the 2.0-litre flat four-cylinder engine.

 

Further differentiating the new variants are agate grey side mirror caps, a centrally positioned sports exhaust with black, chrome-plated twin tailpipes, and logos on the side of the cars spelling out the model’s name.

 

No changes have been made to the 718’s 2.0-litre four-pot turbo engine, which continues to pump out 220kW at 6500rpm and 380Nm at 2150rpm, however there are a number of enhancements that separate the T from the entry-level 718.

 

Standard on the T is the Sport Chrono package, which includes Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual driving modes that adjusts engine and accelerator responsiveness.

 

Handling is improved with a mechanical locking differential on the rear axle, PASM and Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) active body positioning. 

 

PADM minimises vibrations in the engine and gearbox and reduces movements that could affect driving dynamics, which enhances driving precision while maintaining the same level of driver comfort.

 

The 718 T comes standard with a close-ratio six-speed manual, and can be optioned with an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.

 

Completing the sprint from zero to 100km/h takes 5.1 seconds in the manual, trimmed to 4.7s with the PDK, despite the auto adding 30kg to the manual version’s 1350kg unladen weight.

 

PDK versions also feature a Sport Response button and Launch Control system.

 

Inside, the T scores a leather GT sports steering wheel, ‘Boxster T’ or ‘Cayman T’ logos on the instrument dials and door entry strips, while to reduce weight, door handles have been replaced by black door pulls, two-way adjustable sports seats are included and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system has been deleted and replaced with extra storage. Buyers can option the PCM back in at no extra cost.

 

The T will be made available in black, Indian Red, Racing Yellow and white hues, as well as Carrara White, Deep Black and GT Silver, Lava Orange and Miami Blue metallic colours.

 

If it makes it to Australia, the T would slip in above the entry-level Cayman/Boxster trim, which start at $115,300 and $118,100 plus on-roads respectively for the six-speed manual, and the mid-spec S which ask $145,500/$148,300 for the three-pedal option.

 

With one month left in 2018, combined 718 sales total 320 units, with 100 Boxsters and 220 Caymans sold over that period. Boxster sales are down 21.9 per cent year-on-year, while the Cayman has enjoyed a 9.5 per cent lift.

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