Porsche returns to equip the 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS with an atmospheric six-cylinder at the expense of the four-cylinder boxer turbo — an intriguing twist.
The GTS versions of its more affordable sports cars dispensed with the services of the atmospheric six-cylinder boxer in autumn 2017 and criticism, particularly in the media, did not wait. Faster, yes; more efficient, yes; but also less character, sound and pleasantness.
Porsche has not turned a deaf ear.
Last year we saw the Stuttgart-based manufacturer raise the bar on the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder and the big news was the introduction of a new six-cylinder atmospheric boxer with 4.0 l capacity and 420 hp — despite the identical capacity, it's not a version of the engine used in the 911 GT3; is a 100% new unit, derived from the 3.0 l turbo used in the 911.
Subscribe to our newsletter
It seemed to us, at the time, a somewhat inordinate effort by Porsche for just two machines — did they deserve it? Undoubtedly, but difficult to justify the costly development of a new engine. Well, now it starts to make more sense — more models will also enjoy this block.
The new six-cylinder atmospheric boxer in the 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS is exactly the same unit as the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder. That is, 3995 cm3 of capacity, but here with less 20 hp, still some round and intoxicating 400 hp at 7000 rpm . Comparing with the previous GTS and its 2.5 turbo, it is more than 35 hp of power.
New "flat-six"
The new 4.0 atmospheric "flat-six" can spin effortlessly up to 7800 rpm, but when under reduced load can alternately switch off one of the two cylinder banks for better consumption. The injection is direct (piezo injectors), the inlet system is variable and the sports exhaust is standard. Signs of the times, and despite being atmospheric, it comes equipped with two gasoline particulate filters, one for each exhaust outlet.
The torque of 420 Nm, on the other hand, is the same in the two units, but appears at totally different regimes. If the turbo four cylinders were available from very early on, from 1900 rpm to 5500 rpm, in the case of the atmospheric six cylinders, you have to wait for the needle to go up to 5000 rpm and the value remains until 6500 rpm .
Like their predecessor, the new 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS are available either with an interactive six-speed manual gearbox, or with the fast and efficient seven-speed PDK (dual clutch). The 100 km/h is reached in just 4.5s and the top speed is 293 km/h.
As standard, the GTS come with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) sports suspension with reduced ground height by 20 mm, accompanied by the PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) with mechanical locking differential. They also come with Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Track Precision App.
The wheels are 20″ with a satin black finish, surrounded by tires measuring 235/35 ZR 20 at the front and 265/35 ZR 20 at the rear. Braking is ensured by perforated brake discs (red calipers), with brakes in ceramic composite material (PCCB) available as an option.
How much?
The new 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS, now with the Atmospheric 4.0, are now available for order in Portugal, and will arrive at national dealers in March.
Bigger engine capacity, more taxes — 4.0 l versus 2.5 l — so it's not a total surprise that the new GTS 4.0 has seen a rather substantial price increase compared to its predecessors, at around 18,000 euros,
Thus, the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is available from 120 284 euros, while the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 starts at 122 375 euros.
