Porsche 718 Cayman & Boxster GTS 4.0

When Porsche further developed the Boxster and Cayman through the last facelift in 2016 from the internally 981 called type to the type 982 with the official nickname 718, the greatest change in the history of these models occured at the same time. Instead of the six-cylinder naturally aspirated engines used until then, four-cylinder turbo engines are now installed behind the passengers. Fans turned their backs, sales figures didn’t develop as expected. About six months ago, Porsche finally presented the new top versions 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder, which, contrary to the other models, return to the six-cylinder boxer engines. Now follows the GTS 4.0 offered for both body versions, whose number code doesn’t announce the fourth version as usual in computer science circles, but refers to the engine capacity. In fact, here too a four-liter six-cylinder with natural aspiration is installed in mid-engine position. It develops 294 kW/400 hp. Porsche speaks of a sporty and at the same time luxurious extension of the model range. Ultimately, however, it is an admission of their own failure and a slap in the face to those people who wanted to put the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder into their garages as valuables.

As with the most powerful turbo versions and the top GT4 and Spyder models, the maximum torque in the new GTS 4.0 is limited to 420 newtonmeters so as not to come too close to the 911 family. On the other hand, the car is allowed to produce a decent sound thanks to the flap sports exhaust system with integrated petrol particle filter. Adaptive cylinder deactivation and direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors help to save fuel. Power is transmitted by a manual six-speed transmission in both the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. After only 4.5 seconds, the car reaches 100 kph (62 mph), with a maximum speed of 293 kph (182 mph) possible. Standard equipment includes PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) with a lowering of 20 millimeters, PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) with mechanical rear axle transverse lock, PSM (Porsche Stability Management) and the Sport Chrono Package including the latest generation of the Porsche Track Precision App.

A diffuser area with black trim and the sports exhaust system tailpipes that have been moved apart is only available at the GTS 4.0 models. In addition, the front spoiler lip, the wide air intake in the front bumper and the additional lights at the front as well as the rear lights are also dark. Next to that the cars receive 20-inch matt black alloy wheels ex works. These are covered with 235/35 ZR 20 tyres at the front and 265/35 ZR 20 at the rear. Instead of the sports brake system with perforated discs and red painted calipers, a carbon-ceramic brake system with yellow-painted calipers is available as an option.

Inside, dark Alcantara is used on the seat centers, center console, door armrests, gear lever and steering wheel. In the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 it also adorns the A-pillars and the roof lining. The optional GTS Interior package offers a choice of carmine red or chalk as a second color, which then covers the rev counter dial, the seat belts and all stitchings. Meanwhile, the decor trim strips are in exposed carbon. The seven-inch touchscreen display of the PCM (Porsche Communication Management) is located in the center console. Online navigation with real-time traffic data, a Bose sound system or a Burmester sound system are available on request.

Images: Porsche