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The absolutely lovely Porsche 718 Boxster (pictures)

With a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster is a real joy.

Emme Hall
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Emme Hall
2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
1 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The newest 718 clocked a time of 7:42 on the infamous Nurburgring, a full 16 seconds faster than the outgoing model.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
2 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The 718 Boxster makes 300 horsepower out of a 2.0-liter engine. The 718 Boxster S gets a 2.5-liter engine, good for 350 horsepower. Both engines are four cylinders and turbocharged.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
3 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The 718 Boxster S gets the more powerful turbo of the two, with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) as well as a wastegate. VTG pre-conditions the turbo to eliminate lag. This setup is lifted straight from the 911 Turbo.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
4 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

With stiffer roll bars and more lateral rigidity than the outgoing model, as well as a power steering system lifted from the 911 Turbo, the 718 Boxster begs to carve up the corners.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
5 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

Torque numbers are up in both the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S. The entry-level roadster gains a whopping 73 pound-feet, up to 280, while the S gets a more modest increase of 44 pound-feet, up to 310.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
6 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

Porsche claims the top speed of the 718 Boxster is 171 mph, while the Boxster S will top out at 177 mph.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
7 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The 2017 718 Boxster gets bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights. LED headlights with a nifty four-point running lights are optional, and quite striking.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
8 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

Under the spoiler is a black accent strip with dimensional Porsche lettering.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
9 of 21 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster is so named for the 718 Spyder that Porsche campaigned in the late 1950s. The original had a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine making 142 horsepower and finished on the podium numerous times.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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The seven-speed PDK transmission will set you back an additional $3,200. I advise against it as rowing your own in the roadster is an absolute joy.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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The front of the 718 Boxster boasts larger airtakes, hinting at the turbo lurking beneath the surface.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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Google Earth is now available in the revised Porsche Communication Management navigation system.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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Ain't no pedals like three pedals.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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The side view gets larger air intakes and a slightly redesigned door.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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We predict you won't be driving this roadster with the top up all that much!

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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New 19-inch wheels are standard on the 718 Boxster S. 20-inch diameter wheels are available as an option.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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While a six-speed manual transmission is standard in the 718, a seven-speed PDK is available.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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With the Sport Chrono Package, drivers can set their ride for normal, sport, sport plus and individual.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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In cars with the Sport Chrono Package and the PDK gearbox, drivers get the added bonus of the Sport Response Button. Think of it as 20 seconds of a Mario Kart power-boost mushroom.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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The Porsche Communication Management System has been updated and includes Apple CarPlay.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
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The spoiler is no longer integrated into the tail lights in the new 718 Boxster. A shame really, as the design was striking and unique.

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