Porsche spruces up models

Introduced just over a year ago and in January this year with a six-speed manual gearbox only, Porsche has added the option of its dual-clutch PDK box to the 718 Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, as well as the GTS versions of both models.

Despite the availability of the seven-speed self-shifter not resulting in any changes, it has had an effect on performance in that the GTS derivatives now get from 0 to 100km/h in four seconds as opposed to 4.5sec, while a similar fifth-of-aseconds is shaved off of the time of the Spyder and GT4 for a figure of 3.9sec.

Not affected, though, is the power output from the 4.0-litre flat-six engine, which is rated at 309kW/420Nm in the Spyder and GT4 and 294kW/418Nm in the GTS.

Similarly, the top speeds remain as is at 301km/h and 304km/h, and 293km/h respectively. GTS models do however come standard with the Sport Chrono, a four mode drive selector (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual) with an auto blip function in Sport and launch control when put into Sport Plus.

In the case of the Spyder and GT4, alterations have been made to the mechanical locking rear differential which has resulted in locking improving from the manual’s 22% and 27% to 30% and 37%.

Porsche has also done away with the Alcantara fabric option in favour of the socalled Race-Tex faux leather.

Pricing will be R1 454 000 for the Cayman GTS 4.0 and R1 784 000 for the GT4, while the Boxster GTS 4.0 will cost R1 493 000 and the Spyder R1 714 000.

They will all be available locally from February.