Porsche packs more power
BOTH THE 718 BOXSTER GTS AND THE 718 CAYMAN GTS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED Both cost upwards of a million but are real bargains for what they offer.
Porsche has given its two new mid-engine sports cars, the 718 Boxster GTS and the 718 Cayman GTS, more power, among other things. The launch drive was at the Kyalami circuit so the “other things” took something of a back seat, so to speak.
The heart of the little beauty is the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo flat engine with a redeveloped intake duct and optimised turbocharger. Compared to the S model, this increases power by 11 kW to 269 kW. Compared to the GTS predecessor with naturally aspirated engine, up to 26 kW and up to 70 Nm more torque is available.
Both GTS models are available with a manual six-speed transmission or Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and this determines the torque. The maximum torque is 430 Nm with PDK or 420 Nm with a manual transmission. The PDK gearbox is so good it is hard to imagine anyone wanting a manual transmission, but for the hardcore purist it is available.
Lapping the track I was quite busy enough trying to keep the right lines and braking points and was quite happy not to have to worry about gear changes.
There is a choice of performance modes and it would take an exceptional driver to outperform what is automatically available.
The mode button integrated on the small 360-millimetre sports steering wheel with the Sport Chrono Package allows the driver to choose between the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual driving programmes. In Sport mode, the engine responds even more directly, while the PDK is set up for shorter response times and optimum shifting points to provide maximum acceleration. The transmission shifts down earlier and holds the revs to maximize performance.
Chatting to a seasoned former racer while taking a break, he mentioned how impressed he was with the way either derivative simply did exactly what you asked of it. I agree, but must add that I was deeply impressed with how quickly and calmly the cars forgave me when I asked the wrong thing of them and quickly had to change my mind.
The overall feeling that you are driving a performance car is rounded off by a unique GTS boxer sound delivered by a standard centrally positioned sports exhaust system. It is akin to a cat roaring like a lion and the effect is great.
With the Sport Chrono Package as standard and PDK, the 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is 290 km/h.
The 718 GTS models are equipped as standard with 20inch Carrera S wheels painted in black (satin finish). The front brake discs have a diameter of 330mm and the rear discs a diameter of 299mm. The Sport Chrono Package, including dynamic gearbox mounts, is also included in the standard equipment.
The standard chassis with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) lowers the body of the GTS models by 10mm compared to the S model. There is also Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear differential lock.
Sports Plus mode also allows for launch control for a racing start. For vehicles equipped with PDK, the button can also be used to activate the “Sport Response” function. This primes the engine and transmission for the fastest possible unleashing of power, and the turbocharger builds up the pressure faster. This guarantees maximum responsiveness for a period of around 20 seconds.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system integrated as standard provides even better traction and thus enhanced driving performance, while maintaining comfort.
The PASM sports chassis, which is lowered by 20mm, is also available as an option. It is 10mm lower than the GTS standard chassis.
Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which provides automatic stabilisation control of the vehicle at the limits of its driving dynamics, permanently monitors