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Porsche reviving 718 name for new Boxster and Cayman

The next-generation Boxster and Cayman are coming next year, and when they launch, they'll have a new name: 718. There's historical significance there – in 1957, Porsche launched the 718 racecar with a mid-mounted, four-cylinder engine. And when the new Boxster and Cayman come to market, they'll be powered by a new turbocharged, flat-four engine, mounted amidships just like in the current cars. That powertrain isn't a surprise, but the name change certainly is. Officially, the cars will be called 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, and Porsche says the two models "will share more similarities than ever before," both visually and mechanically. What's more, Porsche confirms the 718 Boxster will carry a higher price tag than the 718 Cayman, which is a switch from the company's current pricing strategy – right now, a base Cayman costs $500 more than a standard Boxster. Technical details haven't been confirmed yet, but an earlier report suggests the 2.0-liter flat-four will produce 240 horsepower in the base cars and 300 hp in the S models. GTS versions are tipped to produce as much as 370 hp from this same flat-four engine. Both 718 models will be unveiled throughout the course of 2016. Have a look below for Porsche's official statement. Related Video: Boxster and Cayman to be branded as 718 model range next yearPorsche's mid-engine sports cars to receive new name Atlanta, Georgia. The mid-engine sports cars from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG will be named 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, respectively, when the models are introduced over the course of 2016. The 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car Porsche introduced back in 1957, which achieved great success in a number of renowned car races. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will share more similarities than ever before – both visually and technically. In the future, both will have equally powerful turbocharged flat-four cylinder engines. The Roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupe – as is the case with the 911 models. The 718 model range is driven by the four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The latest example is the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, which is powered by a highly-efficient, turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine.

German judge 'inclined to dismiss' hedge fund lawsuit against Porsche

Last year, around two dozen investors, including hedge funds, leveled a 1.4 billion euro ($1.95 billion at the time) lawsuit against Porsche in connection with the automaker's attempted takeover of Volkswagen in 2008. The Stuttgart Regional Court dismissed the case. Around 19 of those plaintiffs are heading back to court to appeal the ruling and still hope to get 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion). However, according to one German judge, the chances for success aren't any better this time around. "On balance it's our view that we consider the lawsuit, or the appeal, to be unpromising for several reasons," Gerhard Ruf, a judge in Stuttgart, said to Reuters. "We are inclined to dismiss the case." The court's ruling on the appeal will be announced on March 26. The investors' case hinges on Porsche's strategy surrounding the botched takeover. The sports car maker said that it wasn't trying to control VW, when in fact it was. These hedge funds had bet against Volkswagen stock, but the share price surged when Porsche's plan inevitably came to light. Investors have sued the sports car company multiple times since then in attempts to recoup billions of dollars. However, none of the lawsuits have been successful, whether attempted in the US or Germany. Former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking and and CFO Holger Haerter might still stand trial for the alleged stock manipulation, though. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Matthias Rietschel / AP Photo Government/Legal Porsche Volkswagen lawsuit hedge funds porsche lawsuit

What hardcore 911 is Porsche working on now?

Porsche has been spotted testing a new hardcore version of the latest 911. The prototype appears to blend the best elements from the recently facelifted 991.2 with those of the outgoing GT3 RS, which both follows logically and bodes well for the German automaker's latest track-focused performance machine. That means new lighting and other touches, but also more ventilation than a toxic chemicals facility. The bigger question, however, is what engine Porsche is hanging off the back. If history teaches us anything, we could be looking at one of several possibilities. For one, this could be a prototype for the updated 911 GT3 RS, carrying a modified version of the existing model's 4.0-liter flat-six, still naturally aspirated, but maybe with a few extra horses kicked in over the outgoing version's 500 hp. For another, it could follow in the footsteps of the previous limited-edition GT3 RS 4.0, but since the existing model already boasts that displacement, this one could go a step further at 4.2 liters. But then it might not be a GT3 at all: we could be looking at the rebirth of the GT2, the primary difference between the two being the absence or presence of turbochargers. Porsche hasn't done a forced-induction GT model since the GT2 RS of 2010, and that was essentially a 911 Turbo sans the all-wheel drive and any shred of sanity. Whatever is lurking under all that aggressive bodywork, we're looking forward to finding out. And we get the distinct feeling that it won't disappoint. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Porsche 911 GT2/GT3 RS: Spy Shots View 14 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos Porsche Coupe Performance porsche 911 gt3 porsche 911 gt2 rs