High revolutions and high torque

Engine and transmission

Porsche is selling the 718 T exclusively with the two-litre turbo engine from the basic model in its two-seater sports car range. Its output is 220 kW (300 PS) at 6,500/min, making it 18 kW (25 PS) more powerful than the basis version of its predecessor, which it also outperforms in terms of efficiency. The maximum torque of 380 Nm is constantly available from 1,950/min to 4,500/min. The spontaneously responsive, high-revolution four-cylinder boxer engine that only meets it limit at 7,500/min is sure to delight. The output only drops by 5% between the rated speed and the maximum speed – a value that has not been achieved by any other turbo engine in this segment. For drivers, this means there’s plenty of thrust in practically all situations, so it is often unnecessary to switch gears – even with a sporty driving style.

The performance values of the Porsche 718 T are correspondingly dynamic. The 1,350 kg sports car with centre-mounted engine and 6-gear manual transmission accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, thanks to its power-to-weight ratio of 4.5 kg/PS. When this is combined with the optional PDK transmission (+30 kg), the standard sprint takes as little as 4.7 seconds. In either case, the maximum speed is 275 km/h. The high efficiency of the turbo engine is also reflected in the combined standard consumption of 8.1 or 8.2 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions between 186 and 187 g/km.

Dynamic Boost function: The responsiveness of a naturally aspirated engine

When it came to tuning the exhaust gas turbocharger, Porsche developers placed particular importance on ensuring that the responsiveness of the engine was comparable to that of a naturally aspirated engine. This is achieved in various ways, including through the pre-tensioning of the turbocharger at partial load during sporty driving with Sport and Sport Plus modes activated: the bypass valve is closed, the ignition angle is retracted and the throttle is slightly opened. This means that the current drive torque is unchanged for now, while the air flow through the engine and the boost pressure increase. If the driver accelerates to the maximum, the higher boost pressure spontaneously results in increased torque.

The new Dynamic Boost function is activated when the driver briefly takes their foot off the accelerator while accelerating at full speed: despite changes in load, the throttle remains largely open, and only the fuel injection stops. When this happens, the boost pressure does not drop completely; the engine responds spontaneously when the driver accelerates again. This means that the turbo engine responds as quickly as a naturally aspirated engine. This Dynamic Boost function also momentarily improves responsiveness in Normal mode, albeit to a slightly lesser extent.

The turbocharger reacts similarly when the driver presses the Sport Response button. When the Sport Chrono package and PDK transmission are combined, as in the 911 models, this is located in the centre of the driving mode selector on the steering wheel. Inspired by the world of motor racing, it primes the engine and transmission to respond more spontaneously for up to 20 seconds. When the driver presses the Sport Response button; the PDK also switches directly to a lower gear and changes to a driving mode that has higher gear-shifting speed than Sport Plus mode.

6-gear manual transmission as standard, 7-gear PDK on request

Porsche is equipping the 718 T with six-gear manual transmission as standard. In Sport or Sport Plus mode of the Sport Chrono package, this adjusts for speed differences when downshifting using a dynamic double-clutch function, creating an even more emotional driving experience.

The Porsche 7-gear dual-clutch transmission (PDK) is available as an optional extra. It features the enhanced Auto Start/Stop function, which switches off the engine when coasting in order to increase efficiency.

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