CAR OF THE WEEK

California Dreamin'

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The 2016 Porsche Boxster 2.0 (2-door) in Guards Red is a compact, vivacious reminder that Porsche’s mid-engine roadster formula remains a touchstone for sports-car purity. Below are the top five features that define this model — and why the “718” badge (reintroduced for this generation) is more than marketing nostalgia.

Mid-engine balance and chassis engineering

The Boxster’s transversely mounted engine sits behind the seats and ahead of the rear axle, giving the car near-ideal weight distribution. That mid-engine package delivers an immediacy and composure through corners that few rival roadsters match: turn-in is quick, the chassis is communicative, and the car resists nervous oversteer when driven hard. Porsche’s structural stiffness and suspension tuning make the Boxster exceptionally confident on back roads while remaining compliant for daily driving.

The new-generation 2.0-litre turbo flat-four (and its character)

For this generation Porsche replaced the naturally aspirated flat-six with a compact, high-revving turbocharged flat-four — a move that revived a direct historical reference to Porsche’s racing past. The 2.0-litre turbo delivers strong, linear midrange torque and crisp throttle response, making the car feel brisk from the first throttle blip. The smaller, lighter engine contributes to an even better front-to-rear balance and helps the Boxster feel both agile and energetic.

Precision transmissions and driving aids

Porsche’s gearbox options — a highly refined manual and the lightning-fast PDK dual-clutch transmission — let drivers tailor the Boxster’s personality. PDK excels at rapid shifts and track-style launch control; the manual rewards drivers who want direct engagement.

Open-air design and everyday usability

The power-operated soft top drops cleanly and quickly, transforming the Boxster into a pure open-top sports car in seconds. Despite its sporting intent, the layout is surprisingly livable: two small trunks (front and rear), straightforward controls, and a driver-focused cockpit make the Boxster a usable companion rather than a weekend toy. In Guards Red, the soft lines and aggressive stance pop — a classic Porsche look with modern flair.

Interior, tech and Porsche identity

Inside, the cockpit is ergonomically arranged around the driver: clear instruments, supportive seats, and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) keep information and infotainment within reach. The material quality is premium, and the overall feel is of a purpose-built sports car rather than a compromised convertible. Exterior details — from the waistline to the rear haunches — echo Porsche’s design language with an athletic posture amplified by Guards Red paint.

What “718” means

Porsche revived the “718” name for this generation to salute the marque’s small, four-cylinder race cars of the late 1950s and early 1960s that carried the 718 designation and achieved numerous motorsport successes. Reapplying “718” signaled both a return to smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a conscious nod to Porsche’s racing lineage — connecting a modern roadster to its competition-proven ancestors.

A brief provenance note

Porsche began as Ferdinand Porsche’s engineering office in 1931, evolved through the post-war 356 roadster developed under Ferry Porsche, and cemented its identity with the iconic 911 (designed by Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche). Throughout, racing success informed the road cars; leaders from the Porsche family and its engineers shaped the brand into a performance icon. The 2016 Boxster 2.0 in Guards Red is a contemporary chapter in that lineage — compact, focused, and unmistakably Porsche.

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