PORSCHE has announced details of its upcoming 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS ahead of their first public appearance at November’s LA motor show, revealing a power boost to 269kW for both as well as a long list of chassis, electronic and cosmetic changes.
Due to arrive in Australia in March next year retailing at $173,100 for the Cayman GTS manual and $175,900 for the Boxster GTS manual, the pair of high-output models can both zip from zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds when equipped with the 7-speed PDK automatic (a $5980 option).
Sitting above the 257kW Boxster S and Cayman S, the two GTS models take over as the most powerful and performance-focused models in Porsche’s mid-engined sports car range, at least until the eventual arrival of a successor to the GT4.
A revised inlet plenum and turbo stuffs more air into the 2.5-litre flat four, bringing up its peak power 12kW and lifting maximum torque to a V8-like 430Nm. Compared to the last, naturally-aspirated Boxster and Cayman GTS, the boosted four-cylinder makes a sizable 26kW more peak power and an even more significant 80Nm increase in maximum twist.
A mechanical limited-slip rear differential, torque vectoring and active suspension contain all of that extra muscle, with the suspension also bringing a 10mm reduction in ride height for a racier stance and lower centre of gravity.
GTS badging, a red-faced tachometer and Alcantara-clad seats, steering wheel and armrests impart a sportier aura to the cabin, while Porsche’s Track Precision app allows driver’s to capture and analyse driving data during track days – or spirited weekend fangs.
Sports Chrono is standard on both GTS cars.
From the outside, more aggressive body plastics, black lamp internals, black tailpipes and reshaped rear diffuser mark the GTS out from vanilla-spec Caymans and Boxsters.
