REFINED DESIGN
PORSCHE BRINGS BACK THE TURBO-FREE FLAT-SIX TO THE 718 GTS 4.0 MODEL OF BOXSTER ROADSTER AND CAYMAN COUPE
ISN’T THE ENGINE A DETUNED VERSION OF THE CAYMAN GT4’S?
The 718 Boxster and Cayman heralded Porsche’s new four-cylinder petrol-turbo engines a few years back. Now, the two entry-level sports cars have now gained a new option in the guise of a non-turbo six-cylinder motor.
The 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six is the same one used in the 718 Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4, albeit with maximum power detuned from 420hp down to 400hp.
The new roadster and coupe are known as GTS 4.0 and come exclusively with six-speed manual gearbox. A mechanical limited slip differential and active suspension that can lower the cars by 20mm are standard items.
With a 0-100kph time of 4.5sec, the GTS 4.0 is just a tenth-of-a-second slower than the Boxster Spyder/ Cayman GT4, both also armed with a manual shifter.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE REGULAR GTS?
The regular GTS models of the 718 Boxster and Cayman remain on the menu on Porsche’s website, although some media outlets in Europe have suggested that they are to be replaced with the GTS 4.0.
The GTS uses a 365hp 2.5-litre flatfour petrol-turbo making it only 0.1sec slower in the 0-100kph time than the GTS 4.0 when equipped with the same kind of gearbox.
But opt for the seven-speed dualclutch automatic in the GTS and the time drops to 4.3sec (and 4.1sec with launch control). That’s faster than both the GTS 4.0 and Boxster Spyder/ Cayman GT4.
Clearly, the GTS 4.0 is aimed at driving enthusiasts who want natural aspiration and the classic sound of the flat-six (yes, the flat-four sounds terrible).
This probably means that the GTS 4.0 will only supersede the normal GTS when the PDK auto option appears. Watch this space.