We were invited to attend an event in San Francisco this past week – The Porsche 718 Circuit Playground hosted by Porsche N.A.

The event was to launch Porsche’s new horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbocharged sports car, the 718.

This new 718 model is an evolution of Porsche’s successful Boxster and Cayman platforms. We’ve worked with the 981 Cayman platform with nothing but good things to report. So when we heard there was a change to the formula, well, consider our interest piqued.

Previously powered by a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine, these next generation 718 models feature a pair of all-new turbocharged flat-4 engines – a 2.0L with 300hp & 280 lb-ft of torque and a larger 2.5L with 350hp & 309 lb-ft of torque. The larger of the two engines, available in the S models, also features variable turbine geometry for sharper response and more top-end power. Our extensive experience with turbocharged 4-cylinder engines makes this evolution all the more exciting for us.

At first glance the 718 nomenclature may appear to come out of left field. But that is not the case, quite the contrary in fact. In 1958 a 4-cylinder Porsche finished first in class at LeMans. The car? The legendary 718.

There were two versions of this historic Porsche on hand – an RS60 and a the actual RSK that won LeMans, complete with it’s heat-conducting cadmium hood.

Porsche had three factory drivers on hand – Patrick Long, Fred Makowiecki, and Earl Bamber. They were busy giving rides, discussing the details of the new 718, and playing Jenga, apparently.  Fred and Earl are pictured here in the midst of a heated battle.

Speaking of heated battles, drivers had the opportunity to experience the new 718 Boxster S on an Auto-X course designed by fans.

The course was generally tight, yet had a nice flow and even one long 3rd gear straight. These 718s are fast…some of us were hitting more than 100mph.

Each of the 718s on hand was equipped with Porsche’s awesome 7sp PDK gearbox. The extremely capable gearbox was perfectly suited for fans to get their first taste of the new platform in this setting. As great as the PDK is, our preference in a car like this (not a race car) would be the standard 6sp manual gearbox. The ever-engaging manual combined with the new turbocharged flat-4 sounds like a match made in heaven.

We’ll be spending much more time with the new 718 here at the end of the month. Until then, we’ll remember the day (not to mention the 718!) well and would like to thank Porsche & Izea once again for inviting us to be a part of the 718 Circuit Playground.