MotorWeek's Greg Carloss is first on the scene in Austin, Texas driving the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman.

 

 

Both the Boxster and Cayman gain power by losing two cylinders and adding a single-scroll turbo charger. Base models sport a 2.0L flat 4 turbo good for 300-horsepower and 280 lb.-ft of torque while S models get a 2.5L flat 4 turbo churning out 350-horsepower and 309 lb.-ft of torque. Despite the forced induction, both engines spin all the way up to 7,500 RPM as opposed to the previous naturally aspirated 6-cylinder's 7,800 RPM redline.

 

 

With more power comes the need for better braking, so Porsche increased brake sizes throughout the lineup. Along with the new powertrains comes a completely re-tuned suspension and a steering rack pulled from the 911 Turbo, which is 10% more direct than the previous system. A six-speed manual remains the standard transmission, but a 7-speed PDK can be had with a simple check of the box on the option sheet.

 

 

The design team got in on the act too by re-sculpting the fascias, adding new tail lights and removing the door handle recess covers.

 

 

The 718 Boxster is on sale now, and the Cayman will join it in a few months. The starting price is just under $60,000.