A new badge has appeared on Porsche’s two-seat sports cars featuring a more dynamic driving experience.
Wasn’t the T badge reserved for the 911?
The first Porsche to bear the T badge was the 911 Carrera in 1968, and it was only the seventh-generation (codenamed 991, and not the all-new 992 revealed recently) that has gained that initial.
Now, the 911 isn’t the only Porsche to get the Touring treatment. As seen here in official pictures, the 718 Boxster and Cayman for the first time have gained another member bearing this T initial.
The 718 T has black accents on the exterior like on the 20-inch wheels and dashes of red inside. Note the sporty seats, cloth door pulls and more compact GT steering wheel.
In a bid to save weight, the infotainment screen has been replaced by a storage box. However, Porsche says buyers can opt to stay in touch with the digital world without paying extra.
So it’s not about giving it more power…
That’s right. Just like in the existing 911 Carrera T, Porsche has chosen the entry-level models of the 718 Boxster and Cayman to accommodate the T package.
The 300hp 2.0-litre flat-four, which can rev to 7,500rpm, can be specced with either six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Porsche says the gearshifts have been shortened.
When equipped with the two-pedal setup and launch control function of the Sport Chrono package, the 718 T goes from 0-100kph in the same 4.7sec.
Despite having the same acceleration time as the regular models, the 718 T receives 20mm lower suspension which was once the reserve of the go-faster S and GTS variants.
With all of this in place, Porsche says the 718 T offers a more dynamic driving experience with base performance.
Can it really attract Thai punters?
Whether the 718 T, especially the fixed-top Cayman, can attract fans in Thailand remains to be seen.
There’s a good chance that the lowered PASM chassis will make the ride firmer than usual on Thai roads. Of course, this should work well in Germany where roads are generally smooth as on a snooker table.
And with the 718 Cayman already costing seven million baht, potential buyers are most likely to be content with the regular setup.
True driving fans would probably only cough up more money for a genuinely quick Cayman. It’s rumoured that the extra-fast and raw GT4 is coming on stream next year.
It’s interesting to see whether the 718 Cayman GT4 will inherit its predecessor’s 3.8-litre naturally aspirated flat-six or use a pumped-up version of the 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four.
As well, keep your fingers crossed to see whether the PDK auto will appear in the 718 Cayman GT4. The previous model only got a manual shift-stick.
