718 Boxster and Cayman Wouldn't Exist Without China
We Americans love Porsche's 718 Boxster and Cayman, but we aren't why these models continue to exist after all.
Chinese Influence
Typically, we tend to think of the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster as American products. After all, these entry-level offerings seem tailor-made for folks who want to experience Porsche's performance on both the track and street without having to dish out big bucks for a 911. But in a recent interview with Road & Track, Porsche exec Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser revealed that we can actually thank another nation for the 718's continued existence.
Photos: Porsche
Circumventing the Law
Speaking to Road & Track at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show, Walliser didn't pull any punches. "I have to say without China, the whole model line would not exist." Which is surprising, really. But in China, cars are taxed based on their engine displacement, which makes the 2.0-liter four-cylinder 718 pair a great way to have your cake and eat it too.
Photos: Porsche
Strong Demand
Walliser also unsurprisingly noted that Americans tend to prefer flat-six power, which is why we love the GT4 and Spyder so much. In Europe, where fuel is considerably more expensive, it's more of a 50/50 split. But sales for both higher-performance models have been strong thus far.
Photos: Porsche
Purist Pleaser
"Is it the most expensive 718 or is it a very good bargain for a Porsche sports car?" Walliser asked. "The customers have decided. They say it's a very good bargain for a Porsche sports car." And that's not really a surprise to us. These cars offer up purist-pleasing naturally-aspirated power and a manual transmission for less than the price of a base 911 Carrera, after all.
Photos: Porsche
Going Electric
Road & Track also asked Walliser about rumors that the next-gen 718 will go all-electric. "I cannot tell you at the moment when is the right time to do it, which components, how will the car look like," he said. "Considering what I said about China, it's definitely a topic. There, things are moving quicker but different."
Photos: Porsche
Powerplant Coexistence
Considering how the next Macan will offer both an electric and internal-combustion-powered version side-by-side, it might make sense to do the same for the 718. "Could be one answer to say, 'Okay, we do one a fully electric and one is a combustion engine,' instead of doing something in between where the cars are not convincing," Walliser said.
Photos: Porsche
Future Plans
Personally, we hope that's the case. Most lamented the decision to ditch flat-six power for a four-cylinder when the 718 debuted, and the return of the six feels like a major victory. Thankfully, we've still got at least a few years to enjoy them before the future inevitably rears it's ugly head once again.
Photos: Porsche
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