Porsche 718 Boxster 2020: Specs & Features
What's up, car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the **2020 Porsche 718 Boxster**. If you're a fan of pure driving pleasure and that iconic Porsche silhouette, you're gonna love this. We're talking about a car that perfectly blends performance, handling, and that unmistakable drop-top experience. So, grab a coffee, buckle up, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this machine so special. We'll be covering everything from the engine options to the tech features, and of course, how it feels to get behind the wheel. Get ready, because the 718 Boxster is a serious contender for anyone looking for a sports car that doesn't compromise on fun. Let's break down what makes this particular model year a standout in the Porsche lineup. It's not just about numbers; it's about the *feeling* you get when you drive it. We'll explore the different trims and what they bring to the table, ensuring you get a comprehensive look at this amazing vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned Porsche owner or just dreaming of your first one, this guide is for you. We aim to provide you with all the essential information, presented in a way that's easy to understand and, dare I say, enjoyable to read. So, let's not waste any more time and get straight to the heart of the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster. You might just find your next dream car here!
Engine and Performance: The Heartbeat of the 718 Boxster
Alright guys, let's talk about the most crucial part of any sports car: the engine and how it performs. The **2020 Porsche 718 Boxster** came with some seriously potent options that deliver that signature Porsche punch. At the base level, you're looking at a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. Now, don't let the 'four-cylinder' fool you. This bad boy pumps out a healthy 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This means you get instant throttle response and a surge of power that pushes you back into your seat. It's incredibly agile and responsive, making it a blast to drive around corners or on those open stretches of road. If you're craving even more oomph, Porsche also offered the 718 Boxster S model. This one steps things up with a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four. This beefier engine delivers a stout 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The difference is noticeable, especially when you're looking for that extra kick to overtake or blast out of a tight hairpin. Both engines are mated to either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (yes, you can still get a manual in a new Porsche!) or the lightning-fast 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. The PDK is phenomenal for its rapid gear changes and seamless operation, perfect for track days or just maximizing performance. The manual, on the other hand, offers a more engaging and connected driving experience, which many purists swear by. Regardless of your transmission choice, the power delivery is smooth and progressive, with a torque curve that keeps pulling strongly throughout the rev range. Porsche's engineering prowess really shines here; they've managed to create turbocharged engines that don't suffer from significant lag and sound pretty darn good, too. The exhaust note, while different from the naturally aspirated engines of old, is still a characterful growl that lets everyone know a Porsche is coming through. For those who want the absolute pinnacle of performance in the 718 Boxster range for 2020, there was the track-focused **718 Boxster GTS 4.0**. This model featured a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, producing 400 horsepower. This was a return to the beloved six-cylinder for enthusiasts and offered an even more visceral driving experience with a higher redline and a more dramatic engine sound. This engine option truly elevated the 718 Boxster to supercar-like performance levels. The handling is, as expected from Porsche, absolutely world-class. The mid-engine layout provides exceptional balance, making the car feel incredibly neutral and planted. Steering is precise and communicative, feeding you exactly what the front wheels are doing. The suspension is firm but compliant enough for daily driving, soaking up bumps without unsettling the car. You can really feel the engineering that went into optimizing the chassis for maximum grip and agility. Whether you're tackling twisty mountain roads or cruising along the coast, the 718 Boxster feels glued to the asphalt. It's a car that inspires confidence and encourages you to push its limits, all while keeping you safe and in control. The braking system is also top-notch, with powerful stoppers that provide confident stopping power lap after lap or during spirited driving. It's this combination of raw power, refined engine technology, and sublime chassis dynamics that makes the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster a truly exhilarating machine to drive. It’s a car that doesn't just move you from point A to point B; it delivers an *experience*.
Exterior Design: Timeless Porsche Elegance
Let's talk about how this beauty looks, because, let's be honest, **Porsche** knows how to make a car that turns heads. The **2020 Porsche 718 Boxster** carries that unmistakable Porsche DNA, but with its own modern flair. The styling is sleek, muscular, and undeniably sporty. From the front, you'll notice the signature large air intakes, which aren't just for show – they feed vital air to the turbocharged engines. The headlights are sharp and distinctive, housing Porsche's four-point LED daytime running lights, giving it a determined gaze. The silhouette is classic mid-engine sports car: low, wide, and perfectly proportioned. The doors are sculpted, adding to the aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal. And then, there's the magic of the convertible top. With the press of a button, the fabric roof retracts swiftly and smoothly in about 10 seconds, even while you're driving at speeds up to 30 mph. This means you can spontaneously decide to enjoy the open air without pulling over. When the roof is up, it seals tightly, providing a quiet and refined cabin experience, almost as quiet as a coupe. The rear of the car is equally impressive. The prominent 'Porsche' badging across the rear panel, a design cue shared with the 911, adds a touch of class. The taillights are slim and wrap around the muscular rear fenders, emphasizing the car's width and planted stance. The active rear spoiler deploys at speed to increase downforce, enhancing stability and grip. For the 2020 model year, Porsche offered a range of vibrant and sophisticated paint colors, allowing owners to personalize their Boxster to their tastes. Whether you opt for a classic Guards Red, a sophisticated Agate Grey Metallic, or a bold Miami Blue, the 718 Boxster always looks stunning. Wheel options also play a big part in the car's overall look, with various alloy designs and sizes available to further enhance its sporty demeanor. The proportions are just right; it doesn't look overly aggressive, but it certainly looks purposeful and athletic. It’s a design that manages to be both timeless and contemporary, a hallmark of great automotive design. The fit and finish are, as you'd expect from Porsche, impeccable. Panel gaps are tight, and the overall build quality exudes a sense of premium craftsmanship. It’s a car that looks as good parked as it does carving up a winding road. The aerodynamic elements are integrated seamlessly into the design, proving that form and function can indeed go hand-in-hand. The 718 Boxster is a masterclass in sports car design, offering a visual appeal that matches its exhilarating performance. It's a car that truly belongs in the spotlight, commanding attention wherever it goes. The combination of its low-slung profile, aggressive yet elegant lines, and the pure joy of open-top motoring makes the exterior of the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster an absolute triumph.
Interior and Technology: Driver-Focused Luxury
Stepping inside the **2020 Porsche 718 Boxster**, you're immediately greeted by that signature Porsche blend of luxury, sportiness, and impeccable build quality. The **interior design** is driver-focused, meaning everything is intuitively placed for the person behind the wheel. The iconic five-dial instrument cluster is still present, with the large central tachometer taking pride of place, flanked by other essential information displays. The steering wheel itself is a work of art – thick, supportive, and perfectly sized, often featuring controls for the drive modes and the PDK transmission. You can feel the premium materials used throughout the cabin, from the supportive sport seats to the dashboard trim. The seats are designed for both comfort on longer journeys and bolstering during spirited driving. You can opt for various upholstery options, including leather and Alcantara, to tailor the cabin to your preferences. The central console is dominated by a touchscreen infotainment system, which, for 2020, offered features like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay. While not the largest screen on the market, it's responsive and easy to use. Porsche's system is known for its logical layout and straightforward operation, ensuring you can control your music, calls, and navigation without taking your eyes off the road for too long. Below the touchscreen, you'll find the controls for the climate system and other vehicle functions, all laid out logically and with satisfying tactile feedback. Despite its sporty nature, the 718 Boxster isn't devoid of comfort features. You'll find things like heated seats, automatic climate control, and ample storage compartments for a sports car, including a decent-sized frunk (front trunk) and a smaller trunk in the rear. The cabin, when the roof is up, is surprisingly quiet, thanks to excellent sound insulation. When the roof is down, you can enjoy the symphony of the engine and the wind rushing past. The technology in the 2020 718 Boxster is designed to enhance the driving experience rather than distract from it. Features like parking sensors and a rearview camera are available to aid in maneuvering, especially in tight spaces. Advanced driver-assistance systems, while perhaps not as comprehensive as in luxury sedans, are offered as options, including adaptive cruise control and lane change assist. However, the core of the interior experience is about connection to the driving dynamics. The driving position is perfect – low, with the pedals and steering wheel perfectly placed, allowing you to feel like one with the car. The build quality is exceptional; every surface, every button, every switch feels solid and precisely engineered. It's a cabin that feels special, even when you're just sitting in it. The attention to detail is phenomenal, from the stitching on the leather to the way the air vents are integrated into the dashboard. It’s a space that makes you feel good every time you get in. The infotainment system is user-friendly and provides all the essential modern conveniences, ensuring that your drives are both exhilarating and connected. While the focus is undoubtedly on performance, Porsche doesn't skimp on the refinement and comfort, making the 718 Boxster a car you can genuinely enjoy every single day, roof up or roof down.
Trim Levels and Options: Personalize Your Ride
When you're looking at the **2020 Porsche 718 Boxster**, you'll find a few different ways to spec your ultimate convertible sports car. Porsche is famous for its extensive list of options and trim levels, allowing you to truly make the car your own. The primary models for 2020 were the **718 Boxster** (the base model), the **718 Boxster S**, and the **718 Boxster GTS 4.0**. Each offers a distinct blend of performance and features. The 718 Boxster, as we've discussed, comes with the 300-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four. It's already a fantastic car right out of the box, offering incredible performance and handling. Standard features typically include things like power-folding mirrors, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and basic driver aids. However, this is where Porsche's options list comes into play. You can enhance the base Boxster with things like the Sport Chrono Package, which adds a drive mode selector on the steering wheel, launch control, and performance-oriented settings for the engine and transmission. Upgrading the wheels, choosing different interior trims (like leather or two-tone combinations), and adding premium audio systems are also popular choices. Then there's the **718 Boxster S**. This model gets the more powerful 350-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four engine, larger brakes, and often comes with slightly sportier suspension tuning as standard. The S model also opens up a few more exclusive wheel designs and interior options. It represents a significant step up in performance for those who want that extra bit of acceleration and responsiveness. For the 2020 model year, the **718 Boxster GTS 4.0** was a real treat for enthusiasts. This model, as mentioned earlier, brought back the naturally aspirated flat-six engine, producing 400 horsepower. It also typically included performance enhancements like the Sport Chrono Package as standard, PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), and Torque Vectoring. The GTS 4.0 is essentially a more track-focused and visceral version of the Boxster, with a sound and driving feel that harks back to older Porsche sports cars. Beyond the specific engine and performance upgrades, the options list is where things get really customizable. You can choose from a vast array of exterior paint colors, including special metallic and satin finishes. For the interior, you can select different seat types (standard, sport, or 14-way power-adjustable), various steering wheel options, and extensive interior trim packages, from brushed aluminum to carbon fiber or even custom-colored accents. The roof color can also be chosen, offering a different aesthetic contrast. Tech upgrades are also plentiful, including features like a premium Bose or Burmester sound system, Apple CarPlay integration, and even more advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control. Choosing options can significantly increase the price of the car, but it also allows you to tailor it precisely to your desires. Whether you want a more comfortable cruiser with all the luxury amenities or a stripped-down, track-ready machine, Porsche offers the flexibility to build it. It's this level of personalization that truly sets Porsche apart and ensures that each 718 Boxster is as unique as its owner. Building your perfect 2020 718 Boxster is almost as much fun as driving it, allowing you to express your personality and priorities through the vehicle.
The Driving Experience: Pure Exhilaration
So, what's it actually *like* to drive the **2020 Porsche 718 Boxster**? Guys, it's pure, unadulterated joy. This is where the magic truly happens. The **driving experience** is what Porsche is renowned for, and the 718 Boxster absolutely delivers. First off, the mid-engine layout is a masterstroke. It puts the weight of the engine right in the center of the car, resulting in an incredibly balanced chassis. This means the car feels agile, nimble, and eager to change direction. Turn-in is sharp and immediate; you barely have to think about turning the wheel, and the car responds instantly. The steering is a highlight – it's packed with feedback, so you always know what the front tires are doing, no matter the speed. It’s direct, precise, and incredibly confidence-inspiring. Combine that with the stiff chassis and perfectly tuned suspension (especially with the optional PASM), and you've got a car that feels glued to the road. Grip levels are immense. You can carry serious speed through corners, and the car remains stable and composed. It doesn't feel like it's working hard; it just grips and goes. The sensation of driving with the top down is, of course, a huge part of the appeal. With the roof retracted, you're more connected to the environment, the sounds of the engine are more immediate, and the wind in your hair adds to the thrill. It’s the quintessential open-top sports car experience. The brakes are phenomenal, providing strong, consistent stopping power. Whether you're braking hard for a corner or just slowing down for traffic, you feel confident and in control. Now, let's talk about the engines again. The base 2.0-liter turbo-four is incredibly peppy and more than capable for most situations. It offers strong acceleration and a lively character. However, if you can stretch to the S or the GTS 4.0, the difference in performance is palpable. The extra horsepower and torque make the car feel even more potent, allowing for quicker acceleration and more effortless overtaking. The PDK transmission is an absolute marvel. It shifts faster than you can blink, making full-throttle acceleration a visceral experience. It also shifts smoothly and intelligently during normal driving, making the car comfortable enough for daily use. The manual transmission, if you opt for it, offers a more traditional and engaging connection to the car. The clutch is well-weighted, and the shifter has a satisfyingly short and precise throw. It’s a purist’s choice that adds another layer of engagement to the driving experience. The ride quality is firm, as you’d expect from a sports car, but it’s never jarring, especially with PASM in its comfort setting. Porsche has done a remarkable job of balancing sporty dynamics with a level of refinement that makes the 718 Boxster usable every day. It's a car that can be your weekend track toy or your daily driver for a sunny commute. The overall feeling is one of precision, responsiveness, and pure connection to the road. It’s a car that communicates everything to the driver, making you feel like an integral part of the machine. It encourages you to explore its capabilities, pushing you to be a better driver. The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster isn't just a car; it's an extension of yourself, delivering an unforgettable driving experience every time you get behind the wheel. It’s the kind of car that puts a smile on your face, no matter how long the journey.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic
In conclusion, the **2020 Porsche 718 Boxster** stands as a testament to Porsche's enduring legacy in creating exceptional sports cars. It masterfully combines exhilarating performance, agile handling, and the undeniable allure of open-top driving. Whether you chose the spirited base model, the potent S, or the track-ready GTS 4.0, you were getting a car that offers a driving experience few others can match. The engineering excellence is evident in every aspect, from the balanced mid-engine chassis to the responsive turbocharged (or naturally aspirated flat-six in the GTS) powertrains and the precise steering. It’s a car that’s as thrilling on a winding mountain road as it is comfortable for a Sunday cruise. The exterior design is a perfect blend of classic Porsche lines and modern sportiness, ensuring it looks as good as it performs. Inside, the driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, and user-friendly technology create an environment that is both luxurious and functional. For those seeking the ultimate in sports car engagement with the added freedom of open-air motoring, the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster is an outstanding choice. It's a vehicle that doesn't just transport you; it moves your soul. It embodies the spirit of driving pleasure and represents a modern classic in the making. It’s a car that’s designed to be driven and enjoyed, a true driver’s machine that consistently delivers smiles per mile. If you ever get the chance, definitely take one for a spin – you won't be disappointed!
