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Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster T 2019 revealed


Porsche has revealed a new ‘T’ variant that will slot into its ‘718’ Cayman and Boxster line-up, but it is unclear if the sporty pair will make it Down Under.

The 718 T fills a gap in the range between the base versions of the coupe and drop-top and the spicier Cayman and Boxster ‘S’.

Still sitting atop the three-variant range is the flagship GTS.

However, Porsche Cars Australia said in a statement that the go-fast twins were far from locked in for a local launch.

“Porsche Cars Australia is evaluating these models. There is currently no confirmation or timing for the Australian market.”

When the Carrera T – which gave the 911 coupe a similar makeover to the 718 – was revealed last year, it was quickly introduced into Porsche’s local line-up.

The 718 T – which stands for ‘Touring’ in Porsche speak – adds some equipment from the S, but it retains the base variant’s turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that pumps out 220kW/380Nm.

It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or the seven-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch transmission, and Porsche says the 1350-1380kg twins can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds in the manual and 4.7s with the PDK.

For reference, the Cayman and Boxster S use a 2.5-litre unit that delivers 257kW/420Nm and covers 0-100km/h in 4.3-4.6s.

Fuel consumption for the 718 Cayman T ranges from 7.9-8.1 litres per 100km with 180-186g/km of CO2, while the 718 Boxster T uses 7.9-8.2L/100km and emits 181-187g/km of CO2.

Some of the additional features from the S include 20-inch alloy wheels, the 'PASM' sports chassis that is lowered by 20mm, 'Porsche Torque Vectoring', and a mechanical locking differential on the rear axle.

It is also offered with the 'Sport Chrono' package as standard, with Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual driving modes.

Inside, it gains 718 Cayman T or 718 Boxster T logos on the instrument dials and door entry strips, which can also be found on the outer sides of the cars.

Exterior colours on offer include Black, 'Indian Red', 'Racing Yellow' and White, while 'Carrara White', 'Deep Black' and 'GT Silver' are the metallic colours. Porsche is also offering two special colours – 'Lava Orange' and 'Miami Blue'.

Currently, the local 718 line-up kicks off from $114,900 plus on-road costs for the manual Cayman and tops out at $181,480 for the Boxster GTS.

Boxster variants command a $2800 premium over Cayman variants, while the premium for the PDK over the manual ranges from $2232 to $5980.

Should Porsche Cars Australia bring the new 718 Cayman and Boxster T Down Under? Tell us what you think in the comments below.