The Porsche 718 sports cars — defined by their mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout — combine sharp handling with everyday driving thrills.
Rooted in Porsche’s storied racing heritage, the 718 name is traced back to the 1950s 718 RSK, a lightweight, open-top race car derived from the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder road car. The 718 RSK was powered by a mid-mounted flat-four engine, and it won legendary races like the Targa Florio and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Continuing Porsche’s mid-engine heritage with their agility, balance, and emotional driving appeal are the current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. These sports cars represent the last combustion engine-powered 718 models and come in several versions, each one offering its own distinct performance capabilities.
The 718 models presently available at Porsche Philippines are:
718 Cayman and 718 Boxster
At the core of the lineup are the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster, both powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that produces 300 hp and 380 Nm of torque. These models can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, offering a balance of performance and usability. The 718 Cayman’s coupe body offers versatility while the 718 Boxster adds another dimension to driving with its convertible top.
718 Cayman S
Moving up is the sportier 718 Cayman S. It is equipped with a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine delivering 350 hp and 420 Nm of torque. As a result, it is quicker at reaching the 100 km/h mark, taking only 4.2 seconds from a standstill. Its power delivery is also more immediate, matched by chassis tuning that enhances dynamics.
718 Cayman GTS
Meanwhile, providing a naturally aspirated experience is the 718 Cayman GTS. The model is powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six engine rated at 400 hp and 430 Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. It delivers high levels of performance for the road and track, thanks to a combination of robust power and sharp handling. Directly linked to Porsche’s motorsport programs, it features a sport suspension that is lower by 20 millimeters, Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear differential lock, and high-performance braking systems derived from GT models.
718 Boxster Spyder RS
Topping the range is the 718 Boxster Spyder RS — the most powerful mid-engine Porsche to date. Fitted beneath its aerodynamic rear decklid is a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that can rev to 9,000 rpm, and which is shared with the Porsche 911 GT3 road and race cars. With 500 hp and 450 Nm of torque, the 718 Boxster Spyder RS can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 308 km/h, even with the soft top down. Standard ceramic composite brakes provide exceptional stopping power, while the suspension setup — borrowed from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS — ensures razor-sharp handling. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed dual clutch PDK transmission, the Boxster Spyder RS delivers performance that closely matches that of Porsche race cars.
With their mid-engine/rear-wheel drive layout, the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models achieve near-perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity. This combination results in precise handling and a more emotive driving experience — traits that can be fully appreciated behind the wheel. To arrange a test drive, call Porsche Philippines at 0917 843 1885 or visit Porsche Center Philippines at Greenhills, BGC, Westgate Alabang, or SM Seaside Cebu.
