Porsche dubbed the fifth generation of its mid-engine roadster and coupe the 718 Boxster and Cayman, though it carried an internal designation of 982. Regardless of nomenclature, the models were introduced in 2016 and continued to employ the rear-wheel drive, rear-mid-engine layout the original Boxster bowed with in 1996, but brought smaller engines and turbocharging to the lineup. The models carried forward their reputation of balance, agility, and engaging performance.
At launch, the previous generation’s naturally aspirated flat-six engines were replaced by turbocharged four-cylinder flat engines in the base and S variants. These 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter turbo engines were torquier and more fuel efficient than the 981 generation, while still delivering Porsche’s characteristic responsiveness. Exterior and interior styling was updated, and a more modern infotainment systems was added as well.
Over the production run from 2016 to 2025, Porsche continually refined the 718 lineup with a range of trims and performance enhancements. Early in the cycle, the 718 Boxster and Cayman featured the new turbocharged engines and revised chassis dynamics. In subsequent years, Porsche introduced sport-oriented trims such as the 718 T, which added a lowered suspension, the Sport Chrono Package, mechanical limited-slip differentials, and other performance enhancements that sharpened the driving experience. Later in the evolution, Porsche expanded the lineup to include GTS models with higher output and sportier tuning. In 2020 and beyond, the GTS 4.0 variant marked a return to naturally aspirated flat-six power drawn from Porsche’s GT series, delivering more than 390 horsepower and a thrilling rev-happy character that bridged tradition with modern performance.
True highlights of this generation were the GT4 and GT4 RS variants for the Cayman, and the Spyder and Spyder RS for the Boxster. These models were more track-focused, with bespoke suspension tuning, aggressive aerodynamics, large brakes, and performance engineering borrowed from Porsche’s motorsport expertise. The GT4 RS, in particular, stands as a pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance—boasting a high-revving 4.0-liter flat-six that was capable of 493 hp, and significantly enhanced dynamics that position it near the top tier of Porsche’s performance hierarchy.
From a driver standpoint, the 718 Boxster and Cayman retain the core strengths that enthusiasts value: precise steering feel, excellent chassis balance, and a strong connection between driver input and road response. With options like Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), and the Sport Chrono Package, owners could tailor dynamics to their preference. Across nearly a decade, the 718 series bolstered Porsche’s reputation for delivering analog, visceral performance in an era of increasing digitalization.
