Porsche's 718s Get 4-Cylinder Power

Volkswagen AG’s Porsche unit is adding a new naming prefix to its Boxster and Cayman cars and fitting them with downsized 4-cylinder engines—the first Porsche four-bangers since 1995.

The updated 2017 models will be known as the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, bringing back Porsche’s heritage-laced 718 nameplate that dates back to a 1957 race car that went on to win its class in the following year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

The 718 Boxster and Cayman will be offered with a choice of two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter flat-four that makes 300 hp and 280 lb-ft. of torque and a 2.5-liter mill rated at 350 ponies and 309 lb-ft. Both engines boost output by 25 hp over the naturally aspirated 6-cylinder units they replace.

A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic controlled by shift paddles is optional. Porsche says the new powertrains are as much as 14% more efficient on the European driving cycle.

The mid-cycle makeover increases shared styling between the Boxster and Cayman. Updates include new front bumpers with large cooling ducts, bigger air inlets behind the doors and thin LED taillamps.