New Porsche 718 Cayman, Boxster GTS get flat-six engine

The 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine is same unit found in the Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 but detuned by about 20hp to produce 400hp.

Published On Jan 16, 2020 11:45:00 AM

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New Porsche 718 Cayman, Boxster GTS get flat-six engine

Porsche has revealed the new GTS-badged 718 Cayman and Boxster, bringing back flat-six power to the mid-engined coupe and convertible’s standard international range.

Replacing the outgoing 718 GTS models, which used a 366hp, 2.5-litre flat-four engine, the new 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS 4.0 get – as the name suggests – the 4.0-litre flat-six motor first introduced on the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder last year. Unlike those track-focused cars, the new GTS models “place particular emphasis on everyday driving pleasure,” Porsche says.

For the GTS 4.0, the engine is detuned from the 420hp of the Cayman GT4 and Spyder to 400hp, which is produced at slightly lower revs than the peak power of the track-focused models. The torque figure of 420Nm remains unchanged.

The quoted 0-100kph time for both, the Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0, is 4.5sec – just one-tenth down on that of the Cayman GT4 and Spyder. Top speed is put at 293kph.

The redline for the GTS engine is 200rpm lower than the GT4’s motor, topping out at 7,800rpm. However, both new models continue to use the sports exhaust system from the GT4 and Spyder.

The two GTS 4.0 models come solely with a 6-speed manual gearbox at launch, although an automatic option is expected at a later date. Features such as the adaptive cylinder control – which shuts down one of the two cylinder banks at low engine load – help make the new engine more frugal and less polluting.

The 718 GTS 4.0 models feature Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system that drops the ride height by 20mm over the base Cayman and Boxster. Also included is a torque vectoring system with a mechanical limited-slip differential, the Sport Chrono pack with active drivetrain mounts, and an upgraded Porsche Track Precision App.

Reining in the standard 20-inch black alloy wheels is a brake system upgraded from the regular models’ and marked out by cross-drilled discs and red calipers. A ceramic-composite setup is an option.

Exterior changes for the new GTS pair include dark contrast detailing on the spoiler lip, air intake and lower rear bumper, as well as tinted front and rear light lenses. Inside, there’s liberal use of Alcantara, including on the Sports Seats Plus, and a number of personalisation options.

The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, which comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, is standard on the GTS 4.0 models, though features like on-board navigation, Porsche’s connectivity suite and a Bose or a Burmester sound system are all options.

There’s no word on if the 718 GTS 4.0 variant will be introduced in India, where the entry-level versions of the coupe and convertible retail at Rs 85.95 lakh and Rs 89.95 lakh, respectively. Our review of the Porsche 718 Boxster has more details.

All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India

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2020 Porsche Macan GTS revealed

Porsche Cayenne Coupe launched at Rs 1.31 crore