Porsche launches new ‘T’ variants of 718 Cayman and Boxster

Porsche has revealed its Christmas gift to keen drivers everywhere by launching the new 718 Boxster T and Cayman T.

The T designation, which stands for ‘Touring’ marks these cars out as Porsche’s interpretation of a purer driving experience – not necessarily flush with horsepower, but lightened and tightened up for a dynamic drive.

To that end, the 718 T models feature the sports chassis additions previously featured only on top-spec ‘S’ cars, sitting 20mm lower than standard. They ride on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Porsche’s added to this with new dynamic gearbox mounts alongside existing active drivetrain mounts, increasing stability and gearshift precision. A mechanical rear differential lock and torque vectoring are included, as is a shortened shift for the six-speed manual gearbox. A PDK automatic is available as an option.

The T cars don’t share the S models’ engine upgrades, though. Instead, they use the same 296bhp turbocharged flat-four as the base Boxster and Cayman. The 0-60mph sprint will be covered in less than five seconds, while top speed is 171mph. A twin-tailpipe sports exhaust is fitted to hopefully endow it with some aural drama, too, as is the Sport Chrono pack bringing adjustable driving modes.

To save weight, Porsche won’t include an infotainment system in the T models – though it can be added in as a no-cost option. Further interior additions include unique trim with black fabric door pulls, electronically adjustable sports seats, a sports steering wheel and bespoke dials.

The 718 Cayman T starts at £51,145, while the Boxster costs from £53,006 – just over £5,000 more than their base model siblings. They’re around £700 cheaper than the more powerful S models, though.