Porsche offers two distinctly sporty models with some exclusive equipment within its range of mid-engined sports cars: the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. These are two highly agile and dynamic representatives of the 718 model line. They are aimed at design-focused drivers who appreciate good everyday practicality but do not want to miss out on a thrilling driving experience. In addition to a wealth of performance features, the GTS derivatives offer an enhanced range of equipment as standard. Striking contrasting elements and unique details shape the impressive design.
The centrepiece of the 718 GTS 4.0 models is a four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. A power output of 294 kW (400 PS) means that the GTS models surpass the power outputs of the four-cylinder turbocharged S models by 37 kW (50 PS) and impress drivers with particularly direct response characteristics and linear power delivery. The power is transmitted by a six-speed manual gearbox with a dynamic throttle blip function in Sport mode. As an option, the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 are also available with the Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK).
The powertrain of the GTS models is essentially the same as that of the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder. The boxer engine is from the same family of engines as those in the current 911 Carrera model series. The car’s electronics only limit its high-revving potential at 7,800 rpm, with maximum power available at 7,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 420 Nm is constant between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm on manual gearbox versions, while the PDK-equipped versions deliver 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
The powerful four-litre engine also offers exceptional efficiency. Adaptive cylinder control alternately switches off one of the two cylinder banks at low loads, and direct fuel injection via piezo injectors and a variable intake system also maintain a high level of efficiency. The GTS engine also impresses with its superior power reserves and immediate response. It effortlessly revs up to 7,800 rpm, and the standard sports exhaust system, with its active valve control, ensures that the vehicles make the most of the rich sound of the six-cylinder boxer engine. The saddle-type design of the sports exhaust system with integrated gasoline particle filter and separated tail pipes in Black creates space for the contrasting black rear diffuser, which was specially developed for the GTS models.
The four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine guarantees impressive performance figures: both of the 718 GTS 4.0 models with a manual gearbox reach their top speed at 293 km/h, while the PDK versions have a top speed of 288 km/h. When accelerating from 0 – 100 km/h, the 718 GTS 4.0 with a six-speed manual gearbox is one tenth faster than the turbocharged S model and reaches the 100-km/h mark in 4.5 seconds. Accelerating from 0 – 200 km/h takes 14.1 seconds.
The 718 GTS 4.0 variants with an automatic gearbox are even more lively. The PDK means there are no interruptions in drive to the wheels during gear changes. This, in turn, enhances shifting smoothness and improves acceleration figures. Compared to the 718 models with a manual gearbox, the PDK-equipped 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 with Launch Control accelerate around half a second faster to speeds of 100 km/h and 200 km/h, hitting these benchmark times in in 4.0 seconds and 13.7 seconds respectively (0.4 seconds faster than the versions with a manual gearbox).
On the 718 GTS 4.0 models, the standard Sport Chrono Package adapts the gear shift characteristics of the PDK in four different driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual). In Sport mode, it operates with faster gear changes, shifts down earlier with automatic throttle blips and supports optimal acceleration with later shift points. The even more dynamic Sport Plus mode is tailored for maximum performance and fully exploits the rpm reserves of the naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine. This drive programme also includes the Launch Control function, which activates an automatic race start.
The Sport Response button in the centre of the mode switch allows the driver to activate maximum engine and gearbox performance for 20 seconds, irrespective of the current driving mode: this motorsports-inspired function helps facilitate spontaneous overtaking manoeuvres.
With exceptionally precise handling, agile steering and responsive cornering, the chassis also promises a thrilling driving experience. It combines sporty firmness with suspension comfort suitable for everyday use. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard equipment and goes hand in hand with a 20-millimetre-lower ride height. More comfort-oriented drivers can choose the PASM chassis with the ride height lowered by just 10 mm.
Standard equipment also includes various other performance-oriented components such as Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with a separate PSM Sport mode, the Sport Chrono Package including the upgraded Porsche Track Precision App, Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The mid-engined sports car benefits from 20-inch light-alloy wheels finished in Satin Black. High-performance size 235/35 ZR 20 tyres at the front and 265/35 ZR 20 tyres at the rear offer a clear view of the cross-drilled discs and red callipers of the enhanced brake system. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an option.
Dark-coloured contrasting details emphasise the particularly dynamic nature of the GTS models: these details include the spoiler lip, the all-black air intake of the Sport Design front bumper, the fog light lenses at the front, the tail light lenses and the rear bumper.
In the interior, sophisticated dark-coloured Race-Tex fabric creates a sporty and elegant ambience. The material is based on the covers used for racing seats. It has a highly breathable structure and offers greater support. The seat centres of the standard Sports Seats Plus, the rim of the compact GT sports steering wheel, the centre console, the gear lever, the armrests on the two doors, the A-pillars and the roof lining are all finished in the same Race-Tex fabric.
The optional GTS interior package offers additional colour options: drivers can choose between Carmine Red and Crayon. These colours can be used to accentuate the rev counter dial, the seat belts, all decorative stitching including the embroidered GTS emblem on the headrests, and the Porsche logo on the black-bordered floor mats. The trim elements, plus the trim on the centre console, are made of carbon.
Standard equipment on the 718 GTS 4.0 models also includes Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen and the Sport Chrono Package including the enhanced Track Precision App. This smartphone app was originally created for motorsport. It displays and visualises performance-related data on the PCM when racing and records the information for subsequent analysis. The online navigation module with real-time traffic information, voice control and Porsche Connect are also available as options, as are a BOSE® Surround Sound system and the Burmester High-End Surround Sound system.
