On April 25, Porsche’s new mid-mounted hardtop sports car, the 718 Cayman, made its world debut at the Beijing Auto Show, and the new mid-mounted roadster 718 Boxster S and the new 911 Targa 4 also made their Asian debuts.
Porsche’s many debut models for this auto show are equipped with smaller displacement but better performance turbocharged engines, which not only enhance the dynamics of the sports car, but also greatly reduce exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. In addition, a variety of models that are leading in their respective market segments were unveiled at the booth at the same time, witnessing Porsche’s strong commitment to the Chinese market. It is quite interesting that Mr. Marcel Nguyen, a leader in German gymnastics, also joined the Porsche booth as a special guest.
In 2015, Porsche’s global sales exceeded 225,000 units, ahead of the 2018 strategic sales target. China also became Porsche’s largest single market in the world with more than 58,000 new car deliveries, and continued to maintain its position as the fourth largest market in the world for two-door sports cars such as the 911. In Quarter 1 of 2016, Porsche continued its strong momentum from last year and delivered 55,974 new cars worldwide. New car deliveries in China also reached 16,409 units, an increase of 9.5% and 23.5% year-on-year respectively.
Dr. Oliver Blume, who first came to China as chairperson of Porsche’s global executive board, was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm of the fans. "In China, sports cars have a huge appeal to young consumers, and Porsche also attaches great importance to the needs of young consumers in China. The new 718 Cayman, which debuted globally at this auto show, is our latest entry-level sports car, and it may become the first Porsche for young consumers. We believe that the glorious history and excellent driving experience of the 718 series will further promote the promotion of sports car culture among young consumers."
The new 718 Cayman: a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine for an even better driving experience
Porsche’s four-cylinder horizontally opposed sports car has a long history and brilliant achievements. In the late 1950s, the Porsche 718 was equipped with the most powerful four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine of the time, winning many famous races such as Le Mans and Targa Florio, which can be described as a model of mid-engine sports cars. The core highlight of the new 718 Cayman is the new four-cylinder turbocharged horizontally opposed engine, which reflects Porsche’s commitment to returning to the tradition of using four-cylinder horizontally opposed engines in mid-engine sports cars.
Turbocharging technology from the track significantly enhances the efficiency of this new four-cylinder engine: the 718 Cayman’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine has increased the maximum torque by 20 Nm compared to the previous 2.7-liter engine to 310 Nm. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine of the 718 Cayman S, supported by variable geometry turbo (VTG) technology, has increased the maximum torque and maximum power by 50 Nm and 18 kW (25 hp) respectively compared to the previous 3.4-liter engine to 420 Nm and 257 kW (350 hp). After the 911 Turbo and the 718 Boxster S, the 718 Cayman S is the latest model equipped with VTG, and its 100km acceleration time has been reduced by 0.5 seconds to an amazing 4.2 seconds ("Sport Upgrade" mode).
The 718 Cayman is highly recognizable: bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights perfect the front end of the 718 Cayman, and users can also choose LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights for more energy efficiency and better lighting; the side fenders and side sills are memorable. The rear of the new 718 Cayman is the best display of top sporty performance and the excellence of Porsche designers. The shape is clear, the complex is simple; there is no conformism. The taillights are striped and the interior is three-dimensional. Four LED point brake lights are integrated into each horizontal taillight group. A trim runs between the two taillights, making the rear of the vehicle appear wider.
Options that adjust driving dynamics, such as the Sport Chrono component, Porsche Torque Guidance (PTV) and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), give the 718 Cayman a highly customized sporty character. The PASM sporty chassis, which reduces ground clearance by 20mm, is available as an option for the 718 Cayman S for the first time. The Porsche Dual Clutch Transmission (PDK) is standard on the 718 Cayman. The centerpiece of the new interior layout of the 718 Cayman is the Porsche Communication Management System (PCM) with a mobile phone reserved interface (HFP), a sound system interface, and an upgraded version of the 150 W audio package. PCM can be expanded with an optional configuration module and is compatible with Apple CarPlay to fully adapt to individual needs.
The new 718 Boxster S and the new 911 Targa 4: the perfect interpretation of the engine "fit" concept
The new 718 Boxster S and the new 911 Targa 4 were also presented alongside the 718 Cayman for the first time in Asia. Both Asian premieres are turbocharged, and together they demonstrate Porsche’s "fit-for-type" engine philosophy – always pursuing a balance between cylinder number, displacement, turbocharger size and boost value, rather than a single displacement or power output. The 718 Boxster S, with the same four-cylinder engine as the 718 Cayman S, not only perfectly inherits the sporty DNA of Porsche’s legendary 718 racing car, but also once again demonstrates the perfect connection between four-cylinder engine technology and the brilliant code name of the 718. The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine with 60 Nm and 15 kW (20 hp) more torque and power output than the previous model, reaching 450 Nm and 272 kW (370 hp), matching the four-wheel drive system.
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