Porsche is moving away from the naming scheme on its modern cars and going back to its roots using a numbering scheme. Starting in 2016, the Boxster and Cayman will become known as the 718. They will still wear their model name designation as Boxster and Cayman, but it will no presented along with its numerical name. In short, the cars will be presented as the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, just as Porsche sells the 911 Carrera. The name is seen as a return to the brands roots, and the 718 designation draws from the brand’s racing heritage; it was first used in 1957.
If you are curious why Porsche decided to randomly change the names starting next year, that is more to do with engine changes. It is a known fact that turbocharged four-cylinder engines are coming to the Boxster and Cayman, so they are just getting a new name along with the new motors.
But more than a return to form for the brand, it also opens up new avenues for future models. With all cars moving back to a numbered naming system, perhaps old models can return now. There have been rumors of a big two-door GT car build on the Panamera platform, so what is stopping Porsche from reviving the 928 badge now?
