PORSCHE 718 BOXTER/CAYMAN
What is the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman?
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[1] The Cayman is a mid-coupe body with a horizontally opposed engine unique to Porsche. [2] The Boxster is an open-body car with an electric roof.
The Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman is positioned as the entry model in the brand’s sports car lineup. The Boxster is an open two-seater with a fully electric soft top, while the Cayman is a coupe with a fixed roof, but the chassis and powertrain are basically the same. Both are popular for their mid-engine layout with excellent front-to-rear weight distribution and practicality with two luggage spaces.
The base model comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that produces a maximum output of 220kW (300PS), while the top-of-the-line model comes equipped with a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that boasts a maximum output of 368kW (500PS) and a maximum torque of 450Nm.
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman exterior and interior
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[3] The sporty yet functional cockpit of the 718 series. [4] Despite its compact body, the Cayman offers ample cabin space.
The exterior of the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman features sporty proportions that combine a compact body with a wide stance. The interior has a cockpit designed to allow the driver to concentrate on driving, creating a typical Porsche atmosphere.
Appearance: A compact feel unique to mid-engine vehicles
The Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman features a condensed style typical of mid-engine sports cars, with a low-slung nose, flared fenders, and large air intakes on the sides. A wide light strip and the “PORSCHE” logo in a single horizontal letter at the rear end further emphasize the impression of wide and low styling. The Boxster is equipped with an electric soft top that can be opened or closed in approximately 9 seconds while driving at speeds below 50 km/h.
Interior: A cockpit that combines functionality and sportiness
The interior features a driver-oriented layout that is typical of Porsche, with a gently rising center console. The seat position is set low, centered around the triple meter panel and sports steering wheel, achieving both operability and visibility during sporty driving. Optional adaptive sports seats, the latest infotainment system “Porsche Communication Management (PCM),” and Porsche Connect are also included, making long-distance driving more comfortable.
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman dimensions
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[5] The front luggage space has a capacity of 150 L. [6] There is also a rear luggage compartment, although the capacity varies depending on the model.
The Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman has a very compact body, measuring just under 4.5m in length and 1.8m in width. It is easy to maneuver in narrow urban areas, while its wide tread ensures high-speed driving stability.
Body size: Compact in both length and width
The standard grade of the Porsche 718 Cayman is 4379mm long, 1801mm wide, 1295mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2475mm. The open-body 718 Boxster is 1281mm high, 11mm lower than the Cayman, but its length and width are exactly the same. This size makes it possible to take advantage of the low center of gravity and good front-to-rear weight distribution typical of a mid-engine car, while also providing practicality by fitting easily into standard parking spaces, including multi-story parking garages in Japan.
Interior space: Ample cargo capacity despite being a two-seater
The interior is designed for two passengers only, but there is ample seat adjustment and head clearance. The design allows even tall drivers to easily adopt a natural driving position. Luggage space is 150L in the front luggage compartment and 120-180L behind the seats (varies depending on specifications). Although it is a two-seater sports car, it is possible to carry luggage for weekend trips as well as for everyday use.
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman driving performance and fuel economy
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[7] The 2.0L flat-four engine installed in the Boxster/Cayman (base model) contributes significantly to driving performance. [8] The naturally aspirated 4.0L engine of the “RS” series, which produces 500 horsepower, is an ultra-high-revving engine that can reach 9,500 rpm.
The driving performance of the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman is supported by a lightweight midship layout and a flat-engine engine unique to Porsche. Fuel economy is also good for a high-performance gasoline engine without electric assist.
Driving performance: Agility generated by 300-500 PS
Even the base Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman, equipped with a 300 PS four-cylinder engine, boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The 350 PS “S” model achieves 100 km/h from 0 in 4.4 seconds, while the 440 PS “GTS 4.0” model, equipped with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. The top-of-the-line “718 Cayman GT4 RS” and “718 Spyder RS” boast track-oriented performance with 500 PS, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 315 km/h (308 km/h for the open-body Spyder). Electronic chassis controls, such as a six-speed manual transmission (not available on the “RS” model) or a seven-speed PDK, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, ensure excellent control from everyday driving to the track.
Fuel economy: Good level of about 10km per liter
The official WLTP combined fuel economy figures for the base 718 Cayman are 9.7-9.3L/100km with a six-speed manual transmission and 9.2-8.9L/100km with a seven-speed PDK. Converted to gasoline, these figures are about 10.3-10.8L and 10.9-11.2L, respectively, which are reasonable figures for a high-performance sports car.
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman purchase price and maintenance costs
The 718 series is basically positioned as Porsche’s entry-level model.
The purchase price of the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman is within the affordable range for a Porsche sports car, but taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs such as tires and brakes are at a reasonable level.
Purchase price: Entry starts from approximately 9.5 million yen
The base model of the coupe-bodied Porsche 718 Cayman starts at 9.48 million yen, while the roadster Porsche 718 Boxster starts at 9.68 million yen. The “S” model with 50 PS more power exceeds 10 million yen, with prices starting at 10.77 million yen and 11.16 million yen, respectively. The “GTS 4.0” equipped with a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine is priced at 12.62 million yen and 13.01 million yen, while the flagship “Cayman GT4 RS” and “Spyder RS” are both priced at 20.65 million yen.
It has been reported in various media outlets that production of the internal combustion engine 718 Boxster/Cayman (982 model) will end in October 2025. There are also rumors that an engine-equipped version is being considered for the next-generation model, which will be fully electrified, but this will likely only be available for some of the top grades.
Maintenance costs: Pay attention to fuel economy, tires, insurance, etc.
The main components of maintenance costs include fuel costs for 2.0 to 4.0 liter engines that use premium gasoline, automobile and weight taxes based on vehicle weight and engine displacement, the cost of replacing sports tires and brakes, and optional insurance premiums. Fuel economy, insurance rates, and tire costs are on par with high-performance sports cars in the same class, so this is not a model with particularly high maintenance costs. Below are rough estimates for a Porsche 718 Cayman (base model).
| classification | item | Annual cost (yen) | remarks |
| Taxes and insurance | automobile tax | 36,000 | 1988cc |
| weight tax | 12,300 | Up to 1.5t weight: 24,600 yen for 2 years | |
| Compulsory automobile liability insurance | 8825 | 17,650 yen for 2 years | |
| Voluntary insurance | 200,000 | Approximate cost for a gold license holder in their 30s | |
| maintenance | Oil change | 100,000 | Varies depending on brand, etc. Assumed to be replaced once a year |
| Tire change | 200,000 | Expected to be replaced every 4 years | |
| consumables | at any time | Replacement and maintenance costs for brake pads, brake fluid, batteries, etc. | |
| Daily expenses | gasoline | 50,000 | Calculated based on 3000km driven per year, fuel economy of approximately 10km/L, and gasoline priced at 180 yen/L |
| parking | 600,000 | Assuming a tower parking lot attached to an apartment building in Tokyo (50,000 yen/month) | |
| total | Approximately 1.2 million yen | Note: All figures are approximate except for taxes and compulsory automobile liability insurance premiums |
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman current model explanation
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[9] The base model is available in a “Style Edition” that gives the exterior a sportier look. [10] The Boxster S/Cayman S are equipped with a 350 horsepower 2.5L engine. [11] The GTS 4.0 is equipped with a flat-six engine derived from the 911 series. [12] The Cayman GT4 RS, which can be considered a circuit model, features an impressive swan-neck rear wing. [13] The “718 Spyder RS” is an open-top model that allows you to directly enjoy the sound of a flat-six engine that produces 500 horsepower.
The Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman is available in a wide range of specifications, from a four-cylinder turbo to a naturally aspirated flat-six, and even an RS model. Based on the common framework of a mid-engine layout and two-seater, models with different characteristics are available, from the base grade suitable for everyday use to the circuit-oriented GT4 RS and Spyder RS.
Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster: The “standard” 718 for everyday use and winding roads
The base Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster is equipped with a mid-mounted 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine with 220kW (300PS), 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 275km/h, providing ample performance. The low center of gravity and excellent front-to-rear weight distribution provide nimble and neutral handling in corners. The optional PASM system lowers the vehicle height by 10mm while still achieving both ride comfort and sportiness.
It also takes into consideration everyday usability, with two luggage spaces and a cockpit design that is intuitive to operate. While it is an entry model into the “Porsche world,” it can be said to be a versatile model that can be used comfortably for long-distance travel and everyday transportation. A Style Edition with enhanced exterior and interior designs is also available.
| announcement | 2016 |
| Overall length/width/height/wheelbase | Boxster: 4379/1801/1281/2475mm Cayman: 4379/1801/1295/2475mm |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo |
| Total displacement | 1988cc |
| Maximum power and torque | 330PS (kW), 450Nm |
| Transmission, drive system | 6-speed MT/7-speed PDK, RWD |
| Vehicle weight | 1335(MT)/1365(PDK)kg |
| 0→100km/h acceleration | 4.9 seconds |
| maximum speed | 275km/h |
Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster S: 2.5-liter turbo engine delivers ample grand touring performance
The Porsche 718 Cayman S/Boxster S is equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine, boasting top specs of a maximum output of 257 kW (350 PS), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 285 km/h. The chassis has been tuned for driving at higher speeds, from stable straight-line stability on the highway to agile turn-in on winding roads.
The brakes and wheels are also high-performance specifications, giving it a “quasi-gran turismo” position that allows it to comfortably handle long tours while also giving it the leeway to step into circuit driving.Whether you choose the open-air Boxster S or the coupe-bodied Cayman S, the big appeal is the more powerful acceleration and ample mid-range torque you can enjoy.
| announcement | 2016 |
| Overall length/width/height/wheelbase | Boxster: 4379/1801/1271/2475mm Cayman: 4379/1801/1295/2475mm |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo |
| Total displacement | 2497cc |
| Maximum power and torque | 350PS (257kW), 420Nm |
| Transmission, drive system | 6-speed MT/7-speed PDK, RWD |
| Vehicle weight | 1355(MT)/1385(PDK)kg |
| 0→100km/h acceleration | 4.4 seconds |
| maximum speed | 285km/h |
Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster GTS 4.0: Pure sports car with naturally aspirated flat-six engine
The Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster GTS 4.0 is equipped with a 4.0-liter, 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces 294kW (400PS). This is the core sports grade of the series, boasting performance with a 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.0 seconds (PDK) and a top speed of 288km/h. The GTS 4.0 is also unique in that it offers a high-revving naturally aspirated unit that revs up to near the rev limit, and the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK. Both the sound and response are enhanced to appeal to the emotions.
The PASM sports chassis, which has a 20mm lower ride height, reinforced brakes, and large 20-inch wheels are combined to improve limit control on winding roads and circuits, while also taking into consideration the balance with the ride quality on public roads. The interior is equipped with exclusive features such as Race-Tex material and sports seats with the “GTS” logo, allowing you to enjoy the driving pleasure of a mid-engine Porsche. Among the 718 lineup, this is positioned as the most Porsche-like, sports-oriented grade.
| announcement | 2020 |
| Overall length/width/height/wheelbase | Boxster: 4391/1801/1272/2475mm Cayman: 4405/1801/1276/2475mm |
| Powertrain | 4.0 liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine |
| Total displacement | 3995cc |
| Maximum power and torque | 400PS (294kW), 430Nm |
| Transmission, drive system | 6-speed MT/7-speed PDK, RWD |
| Vehicle weight | 1405(MT)/1435(PDK)kg |
| 0→100km/h acceleration | 4.0 seconds |
| maximum speed | 288km/h |
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: A hardcore Cayman straight from the track
The flagship Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the pinnacle of the 718 family, is a circuit-oriented model equipped with a mid-mounted 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six (368kW/500PS) engine inherited from the 911 GT3 R. In addition to accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 315km/h, the car also boasts a lightweight body weighing approximately 1,415kg (DIN) and aerodynamic parts such as a swan-neck fixed rear wing and rear diffuser, resulting in high downforce and high cornering speeds.
The transmission is a performance-oriented 7-speed PDK only, and it uses chassis components that can adjust the vehicle height, camber, and toe for circuit driving, as well as a mechanical limited slip differential (LSD), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), and circuit driving. By combining the optional Weissach package and magnesium wheels, it is possible to further reduce weight and improve aerodynamic performance. It has the character of a “road-legal racing car” with a view to time attacks on the circuit.
| announcement | 2021 |
| Overall length/width/height/wheelbase | 4456/1822/1267/2482mm |
| Powertrain | 4.0 liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine |
| Total displacement | 3996cc |
| Maximum power and torque | 500PS (368kW), 450Nm |
| Transmission, drive system | 7-speed PDK, RWD |
| Vehicle weight | 1415kg |
| 0→100km/h acceleration | 3.4 seconds |
| maximum speed | 315km/h |
Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Experience the RS world in an open-top car
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is an RS model equipped with the same 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six (368kW/500PS) and 7-speed PDK as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, combined with an open-top roadster body. Its basic performance is comparable to the GT4 RS, but its top speed is announced as 308km/h, compared to the Cayman’s 315km/h.
The exclusive body, which combines aerodynamics and design with front air inlets and louvers and a distinctive streamliner-shaped rear, maintains the behavior of the RS chassis even when the top is down, and allows the driver to directly feel the sound of the high-revving engine. This is an extremely emotional, top-of-the-line roadster in the 718 series, allowing the driver to fully enjoy the world of RS with the top open.
| announcement | 2023 |
| Overall length/width/height/wheelbase | 4418/1822/1252/2482mm |
| Powertrain | 4.0 liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine |
| Total displacement | 3996cc |
| Maximum power and torque | 500PS (368kW), 450Nm |
| Transmission, drive system | 7-speed PDK, RWD |
| Vehicle weight | 1410kg |
| 0→100km/h acceleration | 3.4 seconds |
| maximum speed | 308km/h |
New and used Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman prices
Although it is an entry-level model, the 718 series is equipped with the latest technology in the suspension as well as a horizontally opposed engine.
As mentioned above, the new car price of the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman is set at around 9.5 million to 13 million yen (up to the GTS 4.0), with the special model RS in the 20 million yen range. Used cars are available at certified used cars from authorized Porsche dealers and used car specialty stores, with a wide range of prices depending on the year and grade.
| Model | New car price | Used car price (estimated) |
| Porsche 718 Cayman | 9.48 million yen | Approximately 6 million to 9 million yen |
| Porsche 718 Boxster | 9.68 million yen | Same as above |
| Porsche 718 Cayman S | 10.77 million yen | |
| Porsche 718 Boxster S | 11.16 million yen | |
| Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 12.62 million yen | Approximately 12 million to 30 million yen |
| Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 | 13.01 million yen | Same as above |
| Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS | 20.65 million yen | |
| Porsche 718 Spyder RS | 20.65 million yen |
Frequently asked questions about the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
The top model will be equipped with features designed for circuit racing (photo shows the engine bay of the Cayman GT4 RS).
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman.
Q1: What is the difference between a Boxster and a Cayman?
The main difference is the body shape: the Boxster is an open two-seater with an electric soft top, while the Cayman is a fixed-roof coupe, but the engine, chassis, and equipment lineup are basically the same. Customers who want to enjoy open-air driving tend to choose the Boxster, while fans who prioritize higher body rigidity and circuit driving tend to choose the Cayman.
Q2: Is it inconvenient for everyday use?
Although it is a two-seater sports car, the two luggage spaces at the front and rear allow for ample loading for weekend trips. The ease of entry and exit, visibility, and infotainment functions are on par with modern premium coupes and roadsters, and the car is often introduced as a “sports car that can also be used for everyday driving.”
Q3: Should I choose MT or PDK?
Both the 6-speed manual and 7-speed PDK have been highly praised for their performance. The PDK offers advantages in terms of 0-100km/h acceleration and fuel economy, making it suitable for users who frequently drive in congested roads or urban areas. On the other hand, the manual is popular with those who value the traditional enjoyment of the driver choosing the gears themselves, and it seems that many users prefer the “immersive feeling of a manual transmission,” especially in the GTS 4.0 (the GT4 RS only has PDK). We recommend choosing based on your application and preferences.
How to buy a Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
New car sales of the current model are expected to end soon.
To purchase a new Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman, simply create your specifications using the configurator on the Porsche Japan website and then proceed with the transaction at your nearest Porsche Center. If you are looking for a certified pre-owned vehicle, you can use the website to search for inventory at Porsche Centers nationwide. Authorized dealers also offer Porsche’s unique programs for financing, leasing, and special car insurance.
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