Latest news with #718Cayman
Top Gear
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
BMW 2 Series Coupe Driving, Engines & Performance
Driving What is it like to drive? In the M240i xDrive, the big six-cylinder's refinement strikes you first. During the warm-up miles, it's all about a demure hum and sweet harmonics. But fire it towards the red-line and it does serious work with plenty of bite and enough bark to make you realise why this format of engine has a special place in history. There's 369bhp – enough of a power increase over the old 240i to overcome the inertia of 4WD. It gets from a standstill to 62mph in 4.3 seconds. Advertisement - Page continues below OK, it's not a perfect motor. Whisper it, but turbo lag makes an appearance below 3,000rpm. But you have to seek it out by manually holding high gear ratios. Otherwise the eight-speed auto 'box will hide the matter by smoothly shifting down. What's the M240i like around a corner? The main sensation is of huge grip. The steering is conservatively geared, and very mild understeer begins proceedings. Steering feel is too subtle for a sports car. At road speeds in the M240i xDrive you'll not overwhelm the traction unless the corner's tight or the road wet, as we discovered on a recent test in cold, wet winter Wales. But there's a sense of the power squeezing rearward, the back half of the car shouldering the effort, and absolutely shoving you out of a bend. Is it as planted and poised as a Porsche 718 Cayman? No, it's not. Because this isn't really a purpose-built sports car, but a BMW 3 Series that's been hacked at with axes. But it's much, much better than it would've been if BMW had cheaped out and based this on the front-wheel drive 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Coupe platform. Advertisement - Page continues below And the ride? Even this is pretty civilised, at least on the M240i xDrive's £550 adaptive dampers. No particular sense of short-wheelbase pitch. The whole thing is quiet and smooth in the daily grind. Have you driven either of the four-cylinders? BMW says: "Rear-wheel drive and a six-cylinder in-line engine are unique in the segment." Don't take that at face value. You can have a straight-six 2 Series Coupe, and you can have one with RWD, but they won't be the same car. The only pure RWD ones are the four-cylinders. As the 220i weighs 200kg less than the M240i xDrive, you'd expect it to be the lithe, pointy pick of the bunch. Sadly, the engine is just a bit too meek to justify the enormous power bulge on the bonnet and to get the 2 Series moving with gusto. It does 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, and it feels that long. Overtakes need to be planned, not simply executed. The 230i could be considered a neat little Golf GTI rival for those that miss three-door hot hatches and fancy the switch to rear drive. Its four-pot makes a useful 242bhp and 295lb ft of torque, and it drops the 0-62mph time down to 5.9 seconds while upping the top speed to a limited, Autobahn-friendly 155mph. The 220i runs out of puff at 146mph. It's the sense of speed that's better in the 230i, though. You still don't get a huge amount of feel through that chunky steering wheel and the brake pedal is a little woolly, but the engine punches above its weight and combines well with the eight-speed auto for fast responses and strong pace. What a shame there's no manual gearbox option, though. Might as well ask about fuel economy... The 220i hits a creditable 41.5mpg in the official tests and 149g/km, while the 230i drops to 39.8mpg and 157g/km. However, it's worth noting that we saw 40.5mpg in the latter on a 315-mile drive that was mostly motorway but also included some sprightly country road driving. Impressive. The M240i xDrive, meanwhile, manages 32.1mpg and 198g/km on the WLTP tests. Highlights from the range the fastest M240i xDrive 2dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] 0-62 4.3s CO2 BHP 368.8 MPG Price £51,510 the cheapest 220i M Sport 2dr Step Auto 0-62 7.5s CO2 BHP 181 MPG Price £38,475
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cars That Rival the Porsche 911 Without the Price Tag
The Porsche 911 has long been a symbol of refined performance, timeless design, and motorsport pedigree. But these days, it feels like everyone has one. If you want something that stands out, delivers thrilling performance, and doesn't cost six figures, you're in luck. Numerous high-performance alternatives offer similar (or even better) power, driving enjoyment, and personality, often at a significantly lower price. Whether you prefer sharp European handling, American muscle, or track-ready engineering, these cars challenge the 911 from every angle. Some are rear-engine legends in their own right, while others offer raw horsepower or under-the-radar charm. Best of all, they let you drive something remarkable without blending into a sea of 911s at Cars and Coffee. We sought vehicles that match or exceed the Porsche 911's performance benchmarks in key areas, including horsepower, 0-60 mph times, driving engagement, and price. We prioritized current or recently discontinued models that offer strong value, unique character, and a fun-to-drive factor. Each car on this list brings something compelling to the table, whether it's a lightweight chassis, a screaming V8, or a surprising amount of refinement for the cost. Want Porsche pedigree without the price? The 718 Cayman is mid-engined, beautifully balanced, and delivers the purest driving feel in the Porsche lineup. Even the base model offers enough turbocharged grunt to be genuinely quick, with razor-sharp handling that makes it a favorite among enthusiasts. Unlike the 911, the Cayman feels more intimate and connected to the road. It may be less powerful, but on twisty roads, it's often the more rewarding car to drive. Outright sports car performance in a more refined coupe body is where the CLE 450 is at. At first glance, you might dismiss the German coupe as just another luxury rep-mobile, but look closer, and Mercedes has pulled off a masterstroke of less is more. Lurking beneath a svelte, business-like exterior is a powerhouse of performance and speed, begging to be set free. Mercedes's dependable M256 3-liter straight six, augmented by a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system, produces 375 hp, promising a dash to sixty in 4.2 seconds. While its weight will be an issue on a twisty track, you'll be hard-pressed to find a faster point-to-point sports car for daily use. Often-troubled carmaker Lotus has been on a roll recently, finally shedding its reliance on the Elise and Exige. In their place, the Emira has big boots to fill; Lotus' latest sports car is also the carmaker's final foray into internal combustion. Fortunately, as a swansong to gasoline, Lotus has nailed the balance between agility and speed. Naturally, on a budget, Lotus steers clear of building its engines and instead buys units from Mercedes and Toyota to suit different owners. The Emira will set you back $102,500 at the lower end, which comes with a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder courtesy of Mercedes. Despite a lower cylinder count, the Mercedes-AMG four-banger pumps out 360 hp and hits sixty in 4.2 seconds, nearly identical to its bigger V6 sibling. Sportscar or rip-snorting coupe? The BMW M4 is another example of the German carmaker's niche-blurring speed machines. More and more BMW M-Sports tear up the rule book, offering 911-matching performance for a fraction of the asking price. Currently, BMW USA lists the M4 at $79,000. Like the Mercedes CLE 450, the M4 shares its DNA with lesser models, including a turbocharged 3-liter straight-six. The same engine powers the Supra, although gearheads benefit from a helpful power hike to 473 hp and 406 ft-lb of torque in the M4. The gains speak for themselves, with the M4 posting a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and eventually reaching 180 mph. The ultimate thrill ride experience, Atom, is a sports car with a difference. Forget for a moment a total lack of bodywork, comfort, and practicality; Ariel is about speed and nothing else. Despite its familiar exoskeleton appearance, the fourth-generation Atom is all-new, better in every direction. However, face-changing acceleration remains the car's party trick. Ariel does offer a windshield, but at high speeds, any bugs in the Atom's path become one with its occupants. It's one of the reasons Ariel rose to fame at the hands of Jeremy Clarkson. In addition to the size gains, Atom also features a change in power delivery. Out goes the old supercharged Honda unit, and in comes a Type-R turbocharged engine rated at 320 hp. Put down $23,000 and invest some time into hiding away in a garage at the weekends, and the Type 65 Coupe is the most remarkable sports car you could wish for. Billed as a complete kit, gearheads get everything required to handcraft a faithful replica of the Daytona Coupe. The only extras needed are time and a suitable engine and transmission. Even budgeting for a crate motor from Ford or GM leaves the Type 65 well within reach. However, if the thought of bolting together a potentially 200 mph sports car is too daunting, there are plenty of choices to pick up a ready-to-run example in the classifieds. Adding NISMO upgrades might seem redundant, considering the Nissan Z already ships with a potent 3-liter turbocharged V6. But more is always better, and the tweaks go deeper than a quick engine remap. Nissan's sporting department has uprated the Z in almost every area, delivering a more driver-focused, sharper sports car. A flatter torque curve ensures the Z is responsive in any gear, with 384 ft-lb of twist available between 2000 and 5200 rpm. Further changes occur at each corner, and new suspension and tires help keep everything under control. On its debut in 2022, gearheads remained divided. Some raved about the new Z, while others were unconvinced about its performance numbers. Either way, the Z in any trim level is a fantastic, budget-friendly sports car with impeccable reliability. Not to be outdone, Toyota had its revival. Since the 90s, the Supra has been a fan favorite thanks to its bomb-proof, turbocharged drivetrain. Although the 2JZ is no longer produced, a BMW-sourced straight-six engine has proven itself a worthy successor, capable of impressive power numbers. Entering production in 2019, the fifth-generation Supra has undergone engine revisions, with the most recent update claiming a 382 hp output. A certain amount of mystery surrounds these figures, especially regarding performance. Toyota claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, backed up by a top speed of 161 mph. Are they geared for acceleration, or are there some misleading power claims? With classic proportions, a snarling V8, and curvy British styling, the F-Type turns heads wherever it goes. It also offers strong performance thanks to a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the R-Dynamic trim. While it leans more grand tourer than track weapon, the F-Type has plenty of old-school charm mixed with modern tech. It's not the sharpest in the corners, but it's immensely satisfying to drive. The Dark Horse is Ford's latest Mustang special edition. While it won't win any creativity awards for its name, it is a surefire winner for the biggest bang for your buck. Despite being a limited edition, Ford kept the price low, offering gearheads 500 ponies for under sixty grand. Value for money has always been a Mustang's strong point: it is an honest worker's car. The Dark Horse builds on that, adding a 5-liter naturally aspirated Coyote motor. There are no blowers or exhaust muffling turbos, just a deep, booming soundtrack, just the way every sports car should be. It is little wonder that Ford still sells the Mustang. Compact, powerful, and incredibly fun to drive, the M2 is one of BMW's best driver's cars. It features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that shares DNA with the M3 and M4, but is packaged into a smaller, more agile platform. If you want rear-wheel-drive thrills and a manual transmission, the M2 is one of the last places to get both. It's a modern muscle coupe with just enough finesse to hang with pricier competition. How the mighty have risen. Once a basic front-rear drive sports car marred by poor handling, the current C8 Corvette is a genuine mid-engine supercar that competes with more expensive exotics. Ticking all the performance and handling boxes, it comes as a surprise that Chevrolet delivers nearly 200 mph for such a low price. In part, exotic rivaling performance is courtesy of a lightweight glass fiber body over an aluminum spaceframe construction process, saving vital kilos. However, including a naturally aspirated 490 hp 6.2-liter V8 is the C8's ticket to supercar status. The Audi RS5 blends sleek coupe styling with serious performance. With its muscular lines, carbon fiber accents, and high-tech interior, it offers the kind of luxury and refinement you'd expect from a grand tourer, without sacrificing speed. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, the RS5 delivers 444 horsepower and a 0-60 time under four seconds. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system provides confident grip in all conditions, while the chassis is tuned for a smooth yet capable ride. It's fast, composed, and easy to live with, making it one of the most well-rounded 911 alternatives on the road. At over $100,000, value for money doesn't appear near the top of Lexus's target list. But dig deeper, and the add-on track edition parts make sense. Aside from a visually more aggressive body kit complete with a carbon rear wing, Lexus has been hard at work under the skin. Starting the braking system, carbon fiber discs front and rear rein in the car's 472 hp naturally aspirated V8. Elsewhere, monotube dampers paired with Lexus F-Adaptive suspension ensure body roll is kept to a minimum, keeping the RC-F's Michelin Pilot Sports tires firmly planted on the road. The only downside is that Lexus artificially capped performance at 168 mph. Blending luxury and speed, the Audi RS5 offers a twin-turbo V6, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a tech-filled interior. It's not the sharpest in corners, but it's blisteringly quick and easy to live with. For those who want everyday usability with understated style and serious straight-line pace, the RS5 makes a strong case. The Porsche 911 is a benchmark, but it's not your only option. Whether you want raw power, sharp handling, or something that turns more heads at a meet-up, these cars show that high-performance driving comes in many forms. You don't have to spend six figures to enjoy world-class performance. These 911 alternatives prove that with the right car, you can enjoy just as much fun behind the wheel, sometimes even more.
Man of Many
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster Production Ends Soon, But What's Going to Replace it?
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 9 June 2025 |Last Updated: 6 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. 718 Cayman and Boxster production winds down in October 2025 Electric replacements delayed to a possible 2027 launch because of Northvolt bankruptcy Production stopped in Australia in 2024 It was inevitable, but the popular and revered 718 Cayman and Boxster sports cars will bow out globally towards the end of this year. Despite being around for a decade, the 718 models have been going strong in terms of worldwide sales demand, while the hardcore RS models have reached nearly the same iconic status as the limelight-grabbing 911 RS models. Porsche has confirmed the party will end, indicating that both models will be discontinued by October, with the last few examples being sold now. Currently, only a few cars are available worldwide, as Porsche has even pulled the 718 twins from the European markets. Meanwhile, here in Australia, orders have been stopped since late last year, alongside the petrol Macan. Production for our market was stopped from September 2024, with perhaps North America being the only market where the cars are still on sale. Of course, this news is not surprising since the 718 Models are making way for their electric successors, but the question is when. According to new reports, the launch of the all-new electric Cayman and Boxster is not happening anytime soon. Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 | Image: Porsche Australia While CEO Oliver Blume has said they will arrive in the 'medium term,' the electric sports cars have been delayed due to various issues. Northvolt, the Swedish battery company partly owned by Volkswagen and Goldman Sachs, recently filed for bankruptcy. Hence, Porsche has been having issues in procuring the high-performance cells for these EVs, and that has further pushed back the launch time. 'The world has changed,' said Porsche CEO, Dr Oliver Blume. 'We are experiencing a fierce storm. But we are doing everything we can to counteract them. We are resolutely investing in the future. In challenging times we are continuing to develop Porsche with a precise focus. This requires more resources in the short term, but it will make our company even more profitable in the long term. We accept the challenge. We have a plan. We are acting. And we're not wasting any time.' It seems the 718 Cayman and Boxster will not be immediately replaced, and even the new electric three-row SUV that has been spotted testing would be delayed too. Porsche has been bullish regarding its EV strategy but has scaled back its EV-only plans, despite some success in global markets like Australia. Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Image: Porsche Australia Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Image: Porsche Australia Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Image: Porsche Australia Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Image: Porsche Australia Recently, the brand has put some focus back into developing internal combustion engine models. Which means that the future electric 718 replacements would be prepped for a petrol version, potentially plug-in hybrid variants with similar powertrains to those of their Volkswagen brothers and sisters. Porsche has said that it will develop combustion engine or PHEV versions of its EVs, and that could include the new electric Macan and possibly sports cars like the Boxster and Cayman. The EV market has cooled down, it remains to be seen how Porsche navigates through this, but for now, there would be a large time gap between the current 718 models being canned and their successors arriving on the market if they continue down the all-electric 718 Cayman and Boxster route.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Porsche discontinues two iconic models and replaces them both with EVs
NEW DIRECTION Porsche discontinues two iconic models and replaces them both with EVs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PORSCHE has confirmed it will axe two of its most iconic sports cars—the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman—by the end of this year, paving the way for fully electric replacements. The announcement marks a significant shift in the brand's strategy as it leans further into electric mobility. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Whittlebury,Northants,UK -Aug 27th 2023: 2022 blue Porsche 718 Cayman car travelling on an English country road Credit: Getty 4 Production of the mid-engine 718 twins will end in October 2025 at Porsche's facilities in Zuffenhausen and Osnabrück Credit: Alamy 4 Replacing these fan favourites will be fully electric versions of both the Cayman and Boxster Credit: AP:Associated Press The news was first revealed in Germany by Porsche production boss Albrecht Reimold in Automobilwoche and later confirmed by the company to Car and Driver. Production of the mid-engine 718 twins will end in October 2025 at Porsche's facilities in Zuffenhausen and Osnabrück. The move follows the earlier discontinuation of the models in Europe due to new cybersecurity laws. According to Porsche, the decision isn't about poor sales. In fact, 2024 saw a 15 percent increase in deliveries, with 23,670 units sold. However, limited parts availability and the push for electrification have forced Porsche's hand. 'We are now focused on the next chapter,' said a spokesperson. Special editions like the Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster RS Spyder will also bow out, despite previous exemptions from EU regulations. Replacing these fan favourites will be fully electric versions of both the Cayman and Boxster. While details remain scarce, Reimold assured enthusiasts that the electric successors will maintain the fun-to-drive character. 'I've driven it,' he said. 'The driving experience will still be 100 percent 718.' Porsche CEO Oliver Blume added during the brand's recent annual meeting that the new EVs will be 'even more dynamic, even more powerful.' However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for the new generation. The EV 718s won't launch until the 'medium term', with development still ongoing. In the meantime, Porsche is urging customers to snap up the remaining petrol-powered models while they still can. 'This may well be your last chance,' warned Car and Driver, which was among the first to report the change for global markets. The shift has been in motion since the start of 2024, when the 718 was pulled from European markets in response to stricter cybersecurity legislation. The regulations effectively ended sales of the internal-combustion Boxster and Cayman, along with the petrol-powered Macan, across the EU. The U.S. and other regions were granted a temporary reprieve, but that window will now close in October. While the 718's days are numbered, Porsche's broader EV strategy is still in flux. CEO Oliver Blume admitted during this week's shareholder meeting that the company's previous target—having electric cars make up 80 percent of sales by 2030—is now unlikely to be met. Despite this, Porsche says the electric lineup 'will continue to grow as planned,' including a large three-row SUV still in development. Interestingly, Porsche is also keeping its options open when it comes to future powertrains. The company has hinted it may reintroduce combustion engines or hybrids into models originally intended to be electric-only. Last November, then-CFO Lutz Meschke said Porsche was 'looking at the possibility' of combining hybrid or petrol power with upcoming EVs—a sign the brand isn't closing the door on internal combustion just yet. As Porsche moves into this new chapter, the retirement of the 718 range is more than just the end of two cars,it's the end of an era. Since their debut, the Boxster and Cayman have become icons in their own right, offering affordable performance and precise handling. Whether the electric versions can match that legacy remains to be seen. The Sun has approached Porsche for comment.
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Porsche discontinues two iconic models and replaces them both with EVs
PORSCHE has confirmed it will axe two of its most iconic sports cars—the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman—by the end of this year, paving the way for fully electric replacements. The announcement marks a significant shift in the brand's strategy as it leans further into electric mobility. Advertisement 4 Whittlebury,Northants,UK -Aug 27th 2023: 2022 blue Porsche 718 Cayman car travelling on an English country road Credit: Getty 4 Production of the mid-engine 718 twins will end in October 2025 at Porsche's facilities in Zuffenhausen and Osnabrück Credit: Alamy 4 Replacing these fan favourites will be fully electric versions of both the Cayman and Boxster Credit: AP:Associated Press The news was first revealed in Germany by Porsche production boss Albrecht Reimold in Automobilwoche and later confirmed by the company to Car and Driver. Production of the mid-engine 718 twins will end in October 2025 at Porsche's facilities in Zuffenhausen and Osnabrück. The move follows the earlier discontinuation of the models in Europe due to new cybersecurity laws. According to Porsche, the decision isn't about poor sales. In fact, 2024 saw a 15 percent increase in deliveries, with 23,670 units sold. Advertisement Read more on Motors However, limited parts availability and the push for electrification have forced Porsche's hand. 'We are now focused on the next chapter,' said a spokesperson. Special editions like the Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster RS Spyder will also bow out, despite previous exemptions from EU regulations. Replacing these fan favourites will be fully electric versions of both the Cayman and Boxster. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive While details remain scarce, Reimold assured enthusiasts that the electric successors will maintain the fun-to-drive character. 'I've driven it,' he said. 'The driving experience will still be 100 percent 718.' Porsche CEO Oliver Blume added during the brand's recent annual meeting that the new EVs will be 'even more dynamic, even more powerful.' However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for the new generation. Advertisement The EV 718s won't launch until the 'medium term', with development still ongoing. In the meantime, Porsche is urging customers to snap up the remaining petrol-powered models while they still can. 'This may well be your last chance,' warned Car and Driver, which was among the first to report the change for global markets. The shift has been in motion since the start of 2024, when the 718 was pulled from European markets in response to stricter cybersecurity legislation. Advertisement The regulations effectively ended sales of the internal-combustion Boxster and Cayman, along with the petrol-powered Macan, across the EU. The U.S. and other regions were granted a temporary reprieve, but that window will now close in October. While the 718's days are numbered, Porsche's broader EV strategy is still in flux. CEO Oliver Blume admitted during this week's shareholder meeting that the company's previous target—having electric cars make up 80 percent of sales by 2030—is now unlikely to be met. Advertisement Despite this, Porsche says the electric lineup 'will continue to grow as planned,' including a large three-row SUV still in development. Interestingly, Porsche is also keeping its options open when it comes to future powertrains. The company has hinted it may reintroduce combustion engines or Last November, then-CFO Lutz Meschke said Porsche was 'looking at the possibility' of combining hybrid or petrol power with upcoming EVs—a sign the brand isn't closing the door on internal combustion just yet. Advertisement As Porsche moves into this new chapter, the retirement of the 718 range is more than just the end of two cars,it's the end of an era. Since their debut, the Boxster and Cayman have become icons in their own right, offering affordable performance and precise handling. Whether the electric versions can match that legacy remains to be seen. The Sun has approached Porsche for comment. Advertisement 4 Fans will have to wait a bit longer for the new generation Credit: Alamy
