Porsche closes 2018 with special 718 Cayman, Boxster T editions

We're headed to the towards the finish line of 2018 but Porsche has one more gift before the year ends. The German automaker has turned their attention to their entry-level sports cars, the 718 Cayman and Boxster. Dubbed the Cayman T and Boxster T, the two get neat upgrades and cosmetic enhancements.

Now, the T models of the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster aren't there to serve as the new top of the line variants. In fact, it's the opposite. The T variants are an upgrade over the entry-level models, giving each chassis tweaks from its more powerful iterations.

With that, both get lowered and stiffened suspension, bigger and wider wheel combinations, a short-throw shifter for manual models, torque vectoring, and a mechanical limited slip differential. If three pedals aren't your thing, the 718 Cayman and Boxster T can be paired to a dual-clutch transmission. Opt for that transmission choice and Porsche will throw in launch control for free.

As it is based on the base variants, both the roadster and coupe are powered by a boosted 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Both pack 300 PS and 380 Nm of torque. With the combination of its lightweight body and power, 0 to 100 km/h sprints are dealt with in 5.1 seconds with the manual. The dual-clutch version performs the same task in 4.9 seconds and in Sport Plus mode, it shaves off another two tenths at 4.7 seconds. Porsche says those figures apply for the hardtop and the soft top, and top speed is rated at 275 km/h for both.

Exterior tweaks meanwhile consists of unique alloy wheel designs, more gloss black trim, and some stripes on the doors. It also gets T badges at the back for good measure. Inside, you don't get an infotainment system. You don't even get a radio as Porsche has deleted that for the T models. Of course, Porsche is aware that you might want to listen to some music when you're driving, so they can reinstall that free of charge. Other changes include more leather-trimmed interior panels, gloss black trimmings, a thicker-rimmed steering wheel, '718' stitched on the headrests, and Boxster T or Cayman T exclusive door sills.

For now, the T package will make rounds in Europe first. It will then make its way to other parts of the world throughout 2019.