Porsche reveals 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS

Porsche has released photos and details of its 2018 718 Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS, ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Los Angeles motor show in November. 

Eschewing the naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre flat six-cylinder engine of their predecessors, the GTS pair gain a modified version of the S’s 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder turbo petrol boxer engine.

A new air intake system and modified turbocharger sees the 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS produce 269kW of power and 430Nm of torque – an increase of 26kW and 19kW respectively when compared to the previous GTS duo. 

Torque is also up 50Nm over the old Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS and the new models produce 430Nm between 1900 and 5000rpm.

The more powerful engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional PDK seven-speed dual-clutch automatic via a mechanical rear differential and electronically controlled torque vectoring at the rear wheels. 

The pair also feature launch control function and Sport Chrono Package as standard to help the new 718 Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS  reach 100km/h from standstill in 4.1sec and a top speed of 290km/h.

Porsche claims the new pair is almost a half second faster than the previous Boxster GTS with PDK gearbox which boasted a 0-100km/h time of 4.4sec and top speed of 279km/h, while the previous Cayman GTS was capable of 4.3sec and 283km/h.

Despite being faster, the smaller forced induction engine has allowed Porsche to boost performance without any significant change in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the previous six-cylinder GTS models.

Black ascents are the distinguishing factor of the new 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS from their less powerful mid-engined siblings. The differences include a modified front bumper, black tinted headlamps and tail lamps, a more prominent diffuser element within the rear bumper and sport exhaust system with centrally mounted black tailpipes.

The GTS also gets its own badges at the base of the doors, satin black 20-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm reduction in ride height as part of changes brought on by the adoption of Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system as standard equipment.

Inside, the new GTS models receive Alcantara steering wheel and Alcantara ascents on seats, arm rests and the centre console. Along with Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package, the new top-of-the-line Boxster and Cayman models also receive a Porsche Track Precision App, which enables the driver to record, display and analyse data on a smartphone. 

Available for order now, Australian deliveries of the new 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman are planned to begin in early 2018.  

Australian price guide

718 Cayman GTS $173,100.

718 Boxster GTS $175,900.