The 718 Boxster T is the first Porsche, alongside the 718 Cayman T, to sport the "T" badge, which stands for "Touring," after the 911 Carrera T. Unveiled in December 2018, it's based on the base 718 Boxster but comes with a few extra standard features.

The "T" badge turns the already sporty 718 Boxster into a no-nonsense car that offers driving pleasure in its purest form. Although it's powered by the company's base engine for the Boxster and Cayman lineup, it's equipped with chassis upgrades, the Sport Chrono package, and an infotainment system delete. It's also a bit more affordable than the regular Boxster, with Porsche claiming you can save up to 10 percent compared to a similarly specced model. Let's find out more about that in the review below.

Update 3/13/2019: We've updated this review with fresh images of the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Check them out in the gallery at the bottom of this page!

2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T

2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2018 If You Like to Keep it Simple, the 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman T or 718 Boxster T Might be for You
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 6500
  • Torque: 280 @ 2150
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 Porsche Boxster T Exterior

- Based on standard Boxster - "718 Boxster T" decals - 20-inch wheels in Titanium Grey - Lowered ride height - Agate Grey mirror caps - Many colors to choose from

On the outside, the Boxster T is essentially a standard Boxster with a few unique features. A nod to high-performance 911s from the past, like the Carrera RS, it signals that this Boxster is far from regular.

The roadster also rides on special 20-inch alloy wheels finished in high-gloss Titanium Grey and sits almost an inch closer to the ground thanks to the standard PASM sport chassis. Other features that set it apart include Agate Grey mirror caps and black exhaust pipes.

You can order the Boxster T in various colors, including black, Indian Red, Racing Yellow, Carrara White, Deep Black, and GT Silver.

2019 Porsche 718 Boxster T exterior dimensions

Porsche 718 Boxster T

Wheelbase

2,475 mm

Length

4,379 mm

Width

1,801 mm

Height

1,262 mm


2019 Porsche Boxster T Interior

- "Boxster T" logo on door sill - Textile door loops - Lightweight sports seats - GT steering wheel - Standard Sport Chrono package - Gloss-black trim - Infotainment system delete

The cabin is also heavily based on the latest Boxster, but there are a few features that set it apart. The first one is visible as soon as you open the door, in the form of "Boxster T" logos on door sills.

The T also comes with sports seats with only a two-way adjustment system, also for weight-saving purposes. The seats have black Sport-Tex center sections and the "718" logo embroidered on the headrests. There's also a GT sports steering wheel wrapped in leather, just like in the Boxster GTS. The standard Sport Chrono package is yet another feature taken from the GTS, so you'll find the iconic gauge atop the center stack.

The infotainment was mostly removed to balance out the additional weight created by the installation of a particulate filter. However, Porsche will be happy to put one in your car as a no-cost option, so you don't have to worry about missing on all the modern apps.

2019 Porsche Boxster T Drivetrain

- Entry-level 2.0-liter engine - 300 horsepower - 280 pound-feet of torque - 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds - Top speed at 170 mph - Six-speed manual or PDK - PASM suspension - Dynamic engine mounts

Motivation comes from the same drivetrain as the standard 718 Boxster. Back in 2016, Porsche phased out six-cylinder engines for the Boxster, replacing the base unit with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter flat-four.

Transmission options are also identical, so you can either go with the standard six-speed manual or the optional PDK automatic. Performance specs remain the same. The manual model hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the PDK-equipped version reaches the benchmark in 4.7 seconds. Top speed remains locked at the standard 170 mph, but that's nothing to sneeze at.

The Boxster T also features a Porsche Active Suspension Management system, active drivetrain mounts, and a dynamic gearbox mount that minimizes vibrations in the engine and transmission, while also reducing movements that could affect that car's dynamics.

2019 Porsche Boxster T specifications

Engine

2.0-liter four-cylinder

Horsepower

300 HP @ 6,500 RPM

Torque

280 LB-FT @ 2,150 RPM

Top Speed

170 mph

0 to 60 mph

4.9 seconds (manual) / 4.7 seconds (PDK)


2019 Porsche Boxster T Prices

Porsche has yet to release pricing for the Boxster T, but did say that buyers will enjoy "a price advantage of 5 - 10% compared to a similarly equipped basic model." Based on this, we can guess an approximate sticker.

The regular Boxster retails from $59,000 and adding a PDK transmission and the Sport Chrono package adds another $5,820. This brings the roadster to $65,870, including delivery and handling. Based on Porsche's statement, this means that a PDK-equipped Boxster T would cost anywhere between $62,576 and $59,283. This means you should save at least $3,300 compared to the regular 718 Boxster.

2019 Porsche Boxster T Competition

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Alfa Romeo's hot two-door comes in a targa-style variant too, and more importantly, it has a mid-engined layout as well. It's also powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the 1.7-liter unit isn't as powerful as the Boxster T's. The four-pot cranks out 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, falling behind the Porsche by a notable 60 horses and 22 pound-feet. But despite not being as powerful, it's quick from a standing start, needing 4.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. This figure puts in on par with the PDK-equipped Boxster T (not including the Sport Plus mode), as the 4C is only available with a dual-clutch transmission. Pricing for the 4C Spider starts from $66,900, which makes it a bit more expensive than the Boxster T. The bad news is that the Italian sports car will be discontinued in 2019.

Read our full story on the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Audi TTS Roadster

The Audi TT is a bit of a different machine due to its front-engined layout, but it's almost as capable. Although not overly aggressive design-wise, it's 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers a solid 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, more than both the Boxster T and the 4C Spider. Charging to 60 mph takes 4.9 seconds, a bit slower than the Porsche, but it's not a deal breaker. The bad news is that the TTS Roadster is not yet available in the U.S. as of this writing, with only the regular Roadster and the coupe version of the TTS in showrooms. However, it's more affordable than the 718 Boxster T in other markets.

Read our full review of the 2019 Audi TTS Roadster.

Conclusion

To be honest I'm a bit disappointed that the 982-generation has yet to spawn a higher performance Boxster Spyder model, but the Boxster T is a good addition to the lineup. Although far from outstanding on the horsepower front, it has everything it needs to keep enthusiasts happy and it also comes with a good discount for the extra features. One might be tempted to say that Porsche just added a somewhat meaningless model to the lineup, but with only the S and GTS atop the base model, the Boxster T fills an important gap. There aren't many no-nonsense sports cars on the market right now, so the Boxster T is more than welcome.

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Porsche Cayman T.

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster.

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T.