The emphatically sporty design of the 718 GTS 4.0 models is also reflected in the new models’ driving dynamics. Both the Boxster and the Cayman impress with their particularly precise handling, direct steering and responsive cornering. The standard suspension dispenses with the sharpness of the 718 Cayman GT4, which is optimised for race track use, in favour of unconditional suitability for everyday use. Both 718 GTS 4.0 versions thereby present themselves as thoroughbred sports cars that perfectly combine dynamics and undiminished driving comfort – characteristics that can be experienced both on the race track and in everyday life.
Both 718 GTS 4.0 variants are fitted with sports suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damping system as standard. This lowers the body of the Boxster and Cayman by 20 millimetres. For drivers who prefer more comfort, the PASM suspension is available as an option, which lowers the body by 10 mm. When combined with the modern chassis layout and the enhanced high-performance braking system, this results in a remarkable balance between sporty firmness and long-distance comfort.
Other performance components that come as standard with the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 and 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 include Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with separately selectable PSM Sport Mode, the Sport Chrono package including Track Precision App, Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) including mechanical limited slip differential.
PSM stabilises the car at its dynamic driving limits and thus ensures a high degree of safety. In addition to direction, speed and yaw rate, it also determines lateral acceleration. For ambitious drivers who want to explore the limits of their 718 GTS 4.0 even further, on the circuit, the standard Sport Chrono package includes PSM Sport mode. Compared with the fully activated system, it allows a much more sporty driving style with greater yaw movements around the vertical axis and more slip on the drive wheels before PSM intervenes to provide protection. The result is a driving experience that comes even closer to racing, in a safe environment.
The Sport Chrono package itself enhances the sporting talents of the new Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 with Normal, Sport and Sport Plus, as well as Individual settings. They can be activated via the ergonomically positioned rotary mode switch on the steering wheel without the driver having to take their hands off the 360 mm GT sports steering wheel. The individual programmes influence the engine’s responsiveness, the accelerator pedal, the PASM suspension system, the damper control of the sports exhaust system, the auto start/stop function and the retractable rear spoiler. Sport Plus mode, for example, is programmed for using the Porsche 718 GTS on a closed-off racetrack. Individual mode allows the user to define their own configuration. The Track Precision App is also part of the Sport Chrono package.
The standard Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited slip differential also has a positive effect on performance and driving pleasure. By providing a braking pulse on the inside rear wheel, it generates angular momentum around the vehicle's vertical axis when steering into a bend, thereby increasing steering precision and agility. The mechanical limited slip differential provides more power to the outer wheel, improving traction when accelerating out of tight bends. The result is greater longitudinal and lateral dynamics, better performance and more driving pleasure.
Porsche Active Drive Mounts are another special feature of the Sport Chrono package. They minimise vibrations in the engine/transmission area and reduce movements that could adversely affect driving dynamics as a result of the total mass of the drivetrain. In this way, they combine the advantages of hard and soft transmission mounts: noticeably more precise and stable handling in fast bends and in the event of load changes, as well as unrestricted driving comfort on uneven roads.
Like other 718 models, the GTS 4.0 also benefits from electromechanical steering. Compared with the previous Cayman and Boxster generations, the steering ratio is ten per cent more direct and it therefore positively influences agile handling. The steering system from the 911 Turbo has been used and the design of the 360 mm GT sports steering wheel is based on that of the 918 Spyder.
Generously dimensioned brake system
The enhanced grey cast iron braking system is extremely powerful and emphasises the sporty character of the 718 GTS 4.0 models to enable consistently high rates of deceleration. The front brake callipers each have six pistons pressing the pads against the discs, while four-piston callipers are fitted at the rear. The composite brake discs have a diameter of 350 x 34 mm on the front axle and 330 x 28 mm on the rear. They are cross-drilled and internally ventilated for optimal heat dissipation. Porsche has also equipped the 718 models with a multi-collision braking system. This can reduce the severity of a subsequent impact by braking the vehicle automatically after the initial collision and airbag triggering. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system is also available as an option on the 718 GTS 4.0 models. On the front axle, it combines 350 x 34 millimetre discs with yellow-painted six-piston fixed callipers. Four-piston fixed callipers on 350 x 28 mm discs are used at the rear. The 718 GTS 4.0 comes with 20-inch Satin-Gloss Black alloy wheels as standard shod in specially matched 235/35 ZR 20 sports tyres at the front and 265/35 ZR 20 at the rear.
