Porsche 718 Boxster S – an early ride

So now it’s happening to the Boxster and Boxster S. The engines are smaller in capacity and have fewer cylinders. Such is progress. But they also emit fewer emissions. That doesn’t sound that exciting, but the addition of a beefy turbocharger does.

That means that the 2.0-litre engine – doesn’t that sound small for a Porsche? – has 296bhp and the 2.5-litre flat four has 345bhp. That’s no bad thing, but what’s really noticeable is the way the turbo adds in a big dollop of torque across a wide spread of power.

So, even though the engines are smaller, they’re quicker – basically the base model is as quick as the old S model. The larger engine can handle 0-62mph in 4.2sec. This all pumps through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that has been uprated for the job, much like the suspension.

The way the power gets pumped out is very noticeable. The new Boxster feels gutsier than it used to so you don’t have to go chasing the revs to really get it going. So not only does it go better, it’s cleaner and more efficient as well, which will make it cheaper. It seems to be one long list of plus points for the new turbo engine.

The downside? It just doesn’t sound like that big naturally aspirated flat six any more. It sounds pretty distinctive, but we’ll all have to get used to the fact that this is the new sound of a new Porsche. Such is progress indeed.

How it goes is something we’ll hold judgement on until we’ve got our hot and sticky mitts onto the wheel ourselves, instead of sitting in the passenger seat being driven. But the signs are this is going to be a definite step forward, at least on paper. How it does on the blacktop, we’ll have to wait and see.

Porsche Boxster S

On sale: Now

Price: £50,695

Engine: 4 cyls horizontally opposed, 2497cc, turbocharged, petrol

Power: 345hp at 6500rpm

Torque: 310Ib ft at 1900-4500rpm

Kerb weight: 1385kg

Gearbox: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic

0-62mph: 4.2s

Top speed: 177mph

Economy: 38.7mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 167g/km, 28%