Porsche 718

The Porsche 718 is a series of mid-engine, two-seater sports cars from Porsche, comprising two variants: the Boxster roadster and the Cayman coupe. The 718 moniker traces its roots back to the legendary Porsche 718 RSK race car introduced in 1957. In 2016, Porsche officially brought the existing Boxster and Cayman model lines together under the 718 banner. Positioned as the most engaging entry-level sports car in the Porsche line-up below the 911 range, the 718 has become the go-to choice for driving enthusiasts, courtesy of its classic mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, pinpoint handling, and relatively accessible price tag. Driven by global electrification plans and European cybersecurity regulations, production of the ICE-powered 718 for the European market ended in 2023, which subsequently led to a dip in global sales in 2025. In China, the petrol-powered models remain the mainstay for now. For the current 982-generation 718 range, prices start from RM565,000 for the entry-level variant, stretching up to RM1,578,000 for the range-topping GT4 RS—a price gap of over RM1,000,000.

Design Language

The Porsche 718 retains the brand's unmistakable design heritage. Up front, it features signature bug-eye circular headlights integrated with four-point LED daytime running lights. Its low-slung stance and flowing silhouette deliver classic sports car proportions. The vehicle retains compact dimensions, measuring 4,379 mm in length, 1,801 mm in width, and 1,295 mm in height, with a 2,475 mm wheelbase. The Boxster variant comes with an electric soft-top that opens or closes in just 9 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h, whereas the Cayman sports a fixed-roof coupe profile for a more aggressive, athletic aesthetic. Round back, it features full-width taillights paired with central dual-exit exhaust tailpipes and an active rear spoiler. The body shell uses an aluminium-steel composite construction, striking a fine balance between rigidity and lightweight performance. Inside, the driver-centric cabin features the signature centre-mounted analogue rev counter, preserving that quintessential sports car driving feel. Cabin upholstery choices are diverse, ranging from standard leather to high-grade Alcantara.

Powertrain & Performance

The entire 718 lineup is powered by horizontally opposed boxer engines. The entry-level model gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four engine churning out 250 PS (184 kW) and 310 Nm of torque. The Cayman T tunes this 2.0T mill up to 300 PS. Step up to the S variant, and you get a 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four delivering 350 PS. Sitting at the top of the range, the hardcore 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Spyder RS are shoehorned with a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine pushing out a whopping 500 PS (368 kW). A 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission comes standard across the board, while a 6-speed manual gearbox remains available in selected markets. The base model completes the century sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the GT4 RS and Spyder RS dispatch it in just 3.4 seconds. The 2026 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 packs a 294 kW (400 PS) 4.0-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder powerplant, hitting 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Chassis & Handling

The 718 features a classic mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, with the powerplant positioned behind the cockpit and ahead of the rear axle, granting it an ultra-low, centralised centre of gravity. Suspension duties are handled by MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link strut independent setup at the rear. The rear suspension integrates lateral and longitudinal control arms into the strut layout, ensuring exceptional roll resistance in the corners. High-spec variants feature Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard; the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 comes standard with adaptive suspension that drops the ride height by an additional 20 mm, while the Spyder RS gets a standard PASM sports suspension that lowers the car by 30 mm. The steering is razor-sharp and direct, complemented by communicative chassis feedback. The Sport Chrono Package with a drive mode selector switch comes standard across the range.

Cabin & Features

Inside, the 718 comes equipped with a 7-inch central infotainment touchscreen as standard, with higher-tier trims upgrading to a 10.9-inch unit. Infotainment is managed via Porsche Communication Management (PCM), which supports Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. Higher variants gain built-in navigation and voice control systems as standard equipment. For in-car entertainment, buyers can opt for either a BOSE surround sound system (RM14,900) or a high-end Burmester audio setup (RM49,600). The sports seats are heavily bolstered, offering superb lateral support during spirited drives. On the practical front, the front boot (frunk) provides between 150 and 272 litres of luggage capacity, ample for a carry-on cabin bag or a golf bag. The options list is extensive, featuring popular add-ons like dynamic LED headlamps (RM17,500), a red leather interior pack (RM30,000), the Sport Chrono Package (RM27,500), and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) for roughly RM90,000. Fully loaded with options, a base Cayman with an original list price of RM545,000 can easily top RM916,600.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The 718 is thoroughly equipped with active and passive safety features. Electronic driving aids such as ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) come standard across the range. Also standard are a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and front and rear parking sensors (4 front, 4 rear). Occupant protection is handled by standard driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, and knee airbags. Higher variants can be optioned with Lane Change Assist (Blind Spot Monitoring) and Lane Departure Warning. The Lane Change Assist system uses rear radar sensors to scan blind spots, alerting the driver via LED indicators on the wing mirrors at speeds between 30 and 250 km/h. Additional driver assistance systems include Auto Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.

Market Performance & Verdict

The Porsche 718 stands as one of the most celebrated entry-level sports cars worldwide. In 2024, the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman played a key role in helping Porsche achieve cumulative global deliveries of 158,000 units. However, impacted by the phasing out and production end of ICE variants, total deliveries of both 718 models fell to 18,612 units in 2025, representing a 21% year-on-year drop. In the first quarter of 2026, Porsche delivered 61,000 vehicles worldwide, down 15% year-on-year, with Chinese deliveries sliding 21% to 7,519 units—largely attributed to the discontinuation of petrol-powered 718 models. Porsche's board member for sales and marketing noted that delivery figures dropped year-on-year due to the phase-out of the petrol 718 lineup alongside the rollout of the all-electric Macan.

In the Chinese market, on-the-road prices for the 718 are heavily influenced by local dealer promotions, with bare-car prices in select cities dropping to as low as RM485,000. In the used car market, 3- to 5-year-old 718 models hover around the RM300,000 to RM500,000 mark, holding a 5-year residual value of around 58%. As an uncompromising driver's machine, the 718 shines with its mid-engine balance, telepathic handling, and Porsche badge prestige. That said, its compromises are well documented: the four-pot turbo lacks the stirring soundtrack of a six-cylinder unit, interior tech and creature comforts remain sparse, and everyday practicality is limited. Even so, the 718 continues to hold a truly special place in the hearts of petrolheads around the globe.