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Photo of a Porsche 718 Boxster

Porsche 718 Boxster

From turbo fours to a 9,000-rpm GT3 engine: the 718 Boxster's road to the Spyder RS.12

Researched November 1, 2026 from 38 sources

At a glance

0250500
247–493 hpPower
0510
3.4–5.6 s0–100 km/h
0250500
310–450 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,335–1,454 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.23

Engine
2.0 L turbo flat-4 (base); 2.5 L (S/GTS); 4.0 L flat-6 (GTS 4.0/Spyder/RS)238
Layout
Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive; 150/130 L front/rear trunks715
Gearbox
6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch; Spyder RS: PDK only23
Built at
Stuttgart and Osnabrück, Germany3

The story

Peter Varga's 982 Boxster traded sixes for turbo fours to gain power and cut fuel use, with a divisive soundtrack. Michael Wessels tackled fitting charge-air cooling into an engine bay designed for a flat-six.3456

2016: Geneva debut with the 718 name20162017: Turbo GTS bundles the chassis upgrades20172019: 414-hp Spyder gets the GT treatment20192020: GTS 4.0 brings back the flat-six · 47.45-second Guinness slalom20202021: GTS 4.0 and Spyder gain PDK · Boxster 25 Years: 1,250 worldwide20212023: Spyder RS: 9,000 rpm under the sky20232025: Production ends in October2025 Porsche 550 Spyder (550): From 1953550Porsche 550 A Spyder (550 A): From 1956550 APorsche 718 RSK (718 RSK): From 1957718 RSKPorsche 718 RS 61 Spyder (718 RS 61): From 1960718 RS 61Porsche Boxster Concept: 1993Porsche Boxster ConceptPorsche Boxster (986): 1996–2004986Porsche Boxster (987): 2004–2012987Porsche Boxster (981): 2012–2016981Porsche 718 Boxster (982): 2016–2025982 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13142021222324
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
From 1953Porsche 550 Spyder (550)
From 1956Porsche 550 A Spyder (550 A)
From 1957Porsche 718 RSK (718 RSK)
From 1960Porsche 718 RS 61 Spyder (718 RS 61)
1993Porsche Boxster Concept
1996–2004Porsche Boxster (986)
2004–2012Porsche Boxster (987)
2012–2016Porsche Boxster (981)
2016–2025Porsche 718 Boxster (982)
2016Geneva debut with the 718 name
2017Turbo GTS bundles the chassis upgrades
2019414-hp Spyder gets the GT treatment
2020GTS 4.0 brings back the flat-six
202047.45-second Guinness slalom
2021GTS 4.0 and Spyder gain PDK
2021Boxster 25 Years: 1,250 worldwide
2023Spyder RS: 9,000 rpm under the sky
2025Production ends in October
  1. 2016

    Geneva debut with the 718 name

    The 982 Boxster adopted the 718 name and turbo fours. Base and S gained 35 hp over their six-cylinder predecessors; the S added variable turbine geometry.37

  2. 2017

    Turbo GTS bundles the chassis upgrades

    A bigger turbo and new intake brought 15 extra hp over the S. GTS bundled PASM, torque vectoring, 20-inch wheels, Sport Chrono and sports exhaust.38

  3. 2019

    414-hp Spyder gets the GT treatment

    The 718 Spyder became the first Boxster developed by Porsche Motorsport, pairing a 414-hp 4.0-liter six with 911 GT3 brakes and chassis parts.19

  4. 2020

    GTS 4.0 brings back the flat-six

    GTS 4.0 restored the naturally aspirated six: 394 hp, 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h and 293 km/h, with standard 20 mm-lower PASM and a limited-slip diff.51011

  5. 2020

    47.45-second Guinness slalom

    At 16, Chloe Chambers threaded a 2020 718 Spyder through 50 cones spaced 15.05 meters apart, setting the fastest vehicle slalom record in 47.45 seconds.12

  6. 2021

    GTS 4.0 and Spyder gain PDK

    Optional seven-speed PDK joined the GTS 4.0 and Spyder. In the GTS, closer middle ratios made high revs more accessible than the manual's tall gearing.513

  7. 2021

    Boxster 25 Years: 1,250 worldwide

    Based on the GTS 4.0, the anniversary edition echoed the 1993 concept with copper-like Neodyme accents and a red fabric roof.1

  8. 2023

    Spyder RS: 9,000 rpm under the sky

    Spyder RS paired the 911 GT3's 493-hp, 9,000-rpm six with short-ratio PDK and an 18.3 kg manual soft top.2

  9. 2025

    Production ends in October

    European cybersecurity rules curtailed availability. Production of the 718 Boxster/Cayman at Osnabrück ended in October.14

Every generation

  • Porsche 550 Spyder
    550From 1953
  • Porsche 550 A Spyder
    550 AFrom 1956
  • Porsche 718 RSK
    718 RSKFrom 1957
  • Porsche 718 RS 61 Spyder
    718 RS 61From 1960
  • Porsche Boxster Concept
    Porsche Boxster Concept1993
  • Porsche Boxster
    9861996–2004
  • Porsche Boxster
    9872004–2012
  • Porsche Boxster
    9812012–2016
  • Porsche 718 Boxster
    9822016–2025

Power over the years

From 247 hp to 493 hp in 7 years.

0200400600 20162018202020222024 hp 2016 · 247 hp · China-market Boxster 2.02017 · 300 hp · Base Boxster 2.02017 · 350 hp · Boxster S 2.52018 · 365 hp · Boxster GTS 2.52019 · 414 hp · 718 Spyder 4.02020 · 394 hp · Boxster GTS 4.02023 · 493 hp · 718 Spyder RS 493 hp 718 Spyder RS 247 hp China-market Boxster 2.0
1235810
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2016247China-market Boxster 2.0
2017300Base Boxster 2.0
2017350Boxster S 2.5
2018365Boxster GTS 2.5
2019414718 Spyder 4.0
2020394Boxster GTS 4.0
2023493718 Spyder RS

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 718 Boxster S

    Performance

    718 Boxster S

    2016–2025

    350 hp
  • 718 Boxster T

    Performance

    718 Boxster T

    2020–2023

    300 hp
  • 718 Boxster GTS

    Performance

    718 Boxster GTS

    2017–2019

    365 hp
  • 718 Boxster GTS 4.0

    Performance

    718 Boxster GTS 4.0

    2020–2025

    394 hp

  • Special

    718 Boxster Style Edition

    300 hp
  • 718 Spyder

    Performance

    718 Spyder

    414 hp
  • 718 Spyder RS

    Performance

    718 Spyder RS

    493 hp
  • 718 Spyder RS with Weissach Package

    Special

    718 Spyder RS with Weissach Package

    493 hp
  • Boxster 25 Years

    Limited

    Boxster 25 Years

    2021

    394 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • A long black trim bar links the two taillights.3
  • Large side air inlets behind the doors feature two fins.46
  • Sculpted LED taillights contain four-point brake-light patterns.4

Year by year

  1. 2017 GTS introduction

    The GTS added darkened headlights and taillights plus a more aggressive front bumper.3

  2. 2020 GTS 4.0

    The six-cylinder GTS gained separated rear exhaust tips, a specific black rear apron and GTS 4.0 lettering on the doors.31011

  3. 2021 U.S. models

    PDLS bi-xenons became standard, with black units on GTS 4.0; cabins gained two-zone climate control, heated seats and Apple CarPlay.13

  4. 2021 Boxster 25 Years

    The anniversary edition added copper-like Neodyme intake accents and embossed Boxster 25 roof lettering.1

  5. 2023 Europe: Style Edition

    Style Edition brought gloss-black 20-inch Spyder wheels and embossed Boxster roof lettering above the side windows.18

  6. 2023 Spyder RS reveal

    The Spyder RS added two NACA brake-cooling ducts, intakes behind the headrests and a ducktail rear edge.2

Don’t confuse it with

  • Porsche Boxster (981)

    The 718 has larger side scoops, reworked lights and a black trim bar linking the taillights.316

  • Photo of a Porsche 718 Boxster
    718 Boxster
    Photo of a Porsche 718 Cayman
    Porsche 718 Cayman

    Porsche 718 Cayman

    Look for a fixed fastback roof: the Cayman is a coupe, while the Boxster and Spyder are roadsters.3

Against its rivals

  • BMW Z4 sDrive30i

    718 Boxster vs BMW Z4 sDrive30i

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    718 Boxster4.6 s
    BMW Z4 sDrive30i5.1 s
    25
  • Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

    718 Boxster vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    718 Boxster4.2 s
    Porsche 718 Cayman GT44.2 s
    9

Prices

Value today $30.5K–$185.0K1926

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$100K$200K$300K 2016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $30,500–$185,000 2017 · $57,050 · US base, Boxster2017 · $69,450 · US base, Boxster S2018 · $82,950 · US base, Boxster GTS2019 · $68,070 · US Boxster, as tested2020 · $97,650 · US base, Spyder2021 · $62,000 · US base, Boxster; delivery extra2021 · $88,900 · US GTS 4.0; delivery extra2021 · $98,600 · US 25 Years; delivery extra2023 · $76,050 · US base, Boxster T2023 · $83,120 · US Boxster T, as tested 2017 · $57,050 · US base price, 2017 model year 2024 · $63,000 · 2021 718 Boxster S, 20k miles, BaT2024 · $225,000 · 2024 718 Spyder RS Weissach, 479 miles, BaT2024 · $70,500 · 2018 718 Boxster GTS, 5k miles, BaT2024 · $94,500 · 2022 Boxster 25 Years 6-speed, 3,900 miles, BaT2025 · $30,500 · 2017 Boxster PDK, 52k miles, BaT2025 · $74,500 · 2022 718 Boxster, 6k miles, BaT2026 · $70,000 · 2019 Boxster GTS PDK, 13k miles, BaT2026 · $94,000 · 2023 Boxster GTS 4.0 PDK, 8k miles, BaT2026 · $185,000 · 2024 Spyder RS Weissach, 1,100 miles, BaT2026 · $122,981 · 2020 Spyder 6-speed, 13k miles, BaT2026 · $50,500 · 2017 Boxster S 6-speed, 40k miles, BaT2026 · $35,750 · 2017 718 Boxster, 64k miles, BaT2026 · $114,001 · 2021 718 Spyder 6-speed, 14k miles, BaT2026 · $99,500 · 2024 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 6-speed, 2,900 miles, BaT $225.0K BaT, 2024
17891317192526272829303132333435363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2017Launch price$57,050US base price, 2017 model year
2017Price when new$57,050US base, Boxster
2017Price when new$69,450US base, Boxster S
2018Price when new$82,950US base, Boxster GTS
2019Price when new$68,070US Boxster, as tested
2020Price when new$97,650US base, Spyder
2021Price when new$62,000US base, Boxster; delivery extra
2021Price when new$88,900US GTS 4.0; delivery extra
2021Price when new$98,600US 25 Years; delivery extra
2023Price when new$76,050US base, Boxster T
2023Price when new$83,120US Boxster T, as tested
2024Auction sale$63,0002021 718 Boxster S, 20k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$225,0002024 718 Spyder RS Weissach, 479 miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$70,5002018 718 Boxster GTS, 5k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$94,5002022 Boxster 25 Years 6-speed, 3,900 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$30,5002017 Boxster PDK, 52k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$74,5002022 718 Boxster, 6k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$70,0002019 Boxster GTS PDK, 13k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$94,0002023 Boxster GTS 4.0 PDK, 8k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$185,0002024 Spyder RS Weissach, 1,100 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$122,9812020 Spyder 6-speed, 13k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$50,5002017 Boxster S 6-speed, 40k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$35,7502017 718 Boxster, 64k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$114,0012021 718 Spyder 6-speed, 14k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$99,5002024 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 6-speed, 2,900 miles, BaT
2026Value today$30,500–$185,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “47.45 seconds through 50 cones”
    • “7:42 with the right options”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 3 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. New limited-edition anniversary model: Boxster 25 Years - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  2. Porsche 718 Spyder RS becomes the pinnacle of the mid-engined family - Porsche Newsroom AUS newsroom.porsche.com
  3. Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman (982) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. The new Porsche 718 Boxster - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  5. Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 (2020 - 2025) review – one of the all-time great sports cars is dead | evo evo.co.uk
  6. How Porsche Met Cooling Challenges on the New 4-Cylinder Boxster - Mobility Engineering Technology mobilityengineeringtech.com
  7. First Drive: 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster / Boxster S caranddriver.com
  8. 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS First Drive Review motortrend.com
  9. 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder First Drive Review motortrend.com
  10. The new 718 GTS 4.0: Six cylinders, naturally aspirated, manual gearbox - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  11. Product Highlights: 718 GTS 4.0 – driving pleasure for all the senses - Porsche Newsroom AUS newsroom.porsche.com
  12. 16-year-old Chloe Chambers breaks world record for fastest vehicle slalom | Guinness World Records guinnessworldrecords.com
  13. The 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman models - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  14. Porsche AG Business Development 2025 newsroom.porsche.com
  15. Used Porsche 718 Boxster (Mk4, 2016-2025) buyer’s guide: sublime to own and cheaper than you’d think | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. The 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster S Does Everything Right roadandtrack.com
  17. 2023 Porsche Boxster T Is Everything You Want, Nothing You Don't caranddriver.com
  18. The Porsche 718 heads into 2023 in Style - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  19. 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Weissach for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $185,000 on October 7, 2026 (Lot #267,223) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  20. Assetto Corsa - Porsche Pack II on Steam store.steampowered.com
  21. Time travel: The Porsche 718 - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  22. Porsche Boxster (986) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Porsche Boxster and Cayman (987) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Porsche Boxster and Cayman (981) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs. 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster – Convertibles Compared caranddriver.com
  26. 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,500 on January 30, 2025 (Lot #178,832) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. 13k-Mile 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $70,000 on July 28, 2026 (Lot #254,699) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 8k-Mile 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $94,000 on August 25, 2026 (Lot #259,677) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 13k-Mile 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $122,981 on October 28, 2026 (Lot #271,055) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 40k-Mile 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster S 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $50,500 on October 30, 2026 (Lot #271,325) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,750 on July 15, 2026 (Lot #252,373) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2021 Porsche 718 Spyder 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $114,001 on June 11, 2026 (Lot #247,202) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $99,500 on February 15, 2026 (Lot #230,167) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 6k-Mile 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $74,500 on August 3, 2025 (Lot #203,435) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster S for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $63,000 on December 24, 2024 (Lot #175,267) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Weissach for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $225,000 on December 10, 2024 (Lot #173,621) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 5k-Mile 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $70,500 on July 30, 2024 (Lot #156,423) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2022 Porsche Boxster 25 Years 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $94,500 on July 10, 2024 (Lot #154,001) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • newsroom.porsche.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • evo.co.uk
  • mobilityengineeringtech.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • guinnessworldrecords.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • roadandtrack.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • store.steampowered.com

Photo credits

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