Why is the Porsche 718 called 981?
4 Answers
Porsche 718 is a renowned 4-cylinder racing car, while Porsche 918 is a hybrid model of the new era. The two are not equivalent, and in principle, Porsche 718 should not be referred to as Porsche 981. Below is a detailed introduction about Porsche cars: 1. Overview: Porsche, also translated as 'Porsche', is a world-famous luxury car brand under Volkswagen Group of Germany. Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, it is one of the main representatives of European and American automobiles. 2. Models: Porsche's main models include 911, 718, Boxster, Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne, and Macan. The Porsche 911 is a sports car manufactured by Porsche in Stuttgart, Germany, personally designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.
As a long-time car enthusiast, I've noticed Porsche has a unique way of numbering its models. The 981 is actually an internal production code representing the second-generation Boxster and Cayman, produced from 2012 to 2016. Porsche later renamed it the 718 to pay homage to the legendary 718 race car from the 1950s, which achieved glorious victories on the track. The brand aimed to revive this spirit through a retro naming strategy. The renaming wasn't just superficial—it also brought engine upgrades, such as switching from naturally aspirated to turbocharged engines, enhancing driving pleasure. This decision allowed consumers to feel the deep historical connection while helping Porsche attract more sentimental buyers in the competitive market. I think it's a clever strategy, combining both technological updates and cultural heritage.
From an engineer's perspective, automakers use numerical codes to distinguish development phases. 981 was Porsche's internal designation for their two-seater sports car platform during those years. The switch to the public name 718 was meant to pay homage to classic racing designs and amplify sporty DNA. Behind the code change lay tangible upgrades, such as transitioning from the 981's six-cylinder engine to the 718's turbocharged flat-four, reducing weight and boosting efficiency. Porsche aimed to highlight performance advantages through naming while evoking nostalgia with storytelling during sales. This strategy minimized technical jargon, making the brand's evolution more accessible. Ultimately, it ensured consistency and appeal throughout the model's generational updates.
I've driven both the older 981 and the current 718. The difference lies in their internal naming. The 981 was Porsche's temporary code for this model around 2012, like an ID number. Why was it later changed to 718? Mainly a branding strategy—they wanted to leverage the fame of the classic 718 race car to boost the appeal of the current model, which was a legend in 1950s motorsport. The engine was also updated, switching from naturally aspirated to turbocharged, making it more fuel-efficient and powerful. In short, the name change bridges historical nostalgia and helps sell the new car better.
