Porsche’s decision to transition the 982 Boxster and Cayman to the 718 designation—giving the duo new, efficient 4-cylinder engines in the process—originates in the second half of the last decade. With a 2L flat-four engine in the standard models, and sporty S models receiving a 2.5L version, the non-turbo flat six was unemployed in the series until the Cayman GT4 and Spyder variants appeared in the first half of last year.

The turbocharged four was hailed as more efficient, punchier, and quicker at launch. Traditionalists want a six, though, so Porsche has decided to not limit the larger engine to the Cayman GT4 and Spyder for the next model year. The 718 Boxster and Cayman, and their S variants, will lose the flat-four in favor of the six for 2021.

The engine is the same powerhouse as the 3L sported by the 2020 911, only bigger; it boasts four liters of displacement. It provides the 2021 718s with up to 394 horsepower. The seven-speed gearbox familiar to those who’ve followed the model for the last few years has been traded for a six-speed, but Porsche assures us that the seven will be back as an option soon.

Both models feature a top speed in excess of 180 MPH. Both will also be priced under $100K, which is good news indeed.