Fans worldwide will no doubt be celebrating Porsche ‘seeing the error of its ways’ with news that GTS 4.0 variants of the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster will forego their established turbocharged four-cylinders in favour of a return to flat-six propulsion.
Citing “exceptional power delivery and a particularly rewarding driving experience” for the switch, the news draws to a close both the Cayman and Boxster’s brief flirtations with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. A decision implemented for the ‘982’ fourth generation in 2016 to improve fuel economy, and one that slower-than-expected sales ultimately tanked.
Still, that does mean the 718 GTS newboys, which sit just above their 2.5-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder ‘S’ counterparts on Porsche’s line-up, now receive the same four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine featured most recently in the 718 Cayman GT4 and the 718 Spyder. That also equates to 400PS (395hp) of grunt, up 35bhp from the outgoing 4cyl GTS and only 20bhp down on the Cayman GT4.
Official torque output and kerb weights have yet to be announced, though the increased power is enough to propel Porsche’s Alpine A110 rival from 0-100kph in a sprightly 4.5 seconds en-route to a 293kph top speed. Power, by the by, that’s sent to the rear wheels via a manual six-speed transmission, while the “acoustic advantages of the rich six-cylinder boxer” escapes to a baying public via a new sports exhaust.
Other updates are more subtle in the ‘new’ 4.0 variants, but most remain performance-focused. The ride height has been dropped by 20mm, while Porsche’s sport chassis, active dampers, suspension and drivetrain mounts, and torque vectoring system all come as standard. The carbon ceramic brake package remains an option, but, hey, can’t have everything…
Cosmetics tweaks meanwhile have been added with the lightest of brush strokes, and include dark contrasts to (deep breath) the spoiler lip, the all-black air intake of the Sport Design front apron, the front fog light lenses, the rear light lenses and the redesigned lower rear bumper. The cabin receives new dark-infused Alcantara, and the whole package now rides atop 20in, Satin Gloss Black light-alloy wheels clad with high performance rubber.
Prices have been confirmed at €81,926 (around $91,200) and €83,949 ($93,500, ish) for the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 respectively, up just over $3.5K from their predecessors. We’re guessing that purists won’t be too concerned by their slightly more dented bank accounts and a slightly thirstier engine though.
*Images courtesy of Porsche
