Flat-six returns to Porsche 718 Boxster, Cayman GTS

Porsche had introduced boxer-four, turbocharged engines in the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman series some time back. The German high-performance automobile manufacturer, however, had reversed the trend last year with the 718 Spyder, 718 Cayman GT4 and the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer four engines. 

Porsche, now, has once again returned to flat-six engines with the 718 Boxter and the Cayman GTS. It has retained the same 4.0-liter, a naturally aspirated motor that powers the 718 Cayman GT4. The company claims that the engine will produce 394 bhp and 309 lb-ft peak torque. The power output in the 718 Cayman GTS and the 718 Boxter will increase by 29 bhp.

Both cars will be mated to a manual gear system with no automatic transmission on offer. The engine can rev up to 7,800 rpm with the typical Porsche sound, courtesy the standard sports exhaust system, complete with a dual tailpipe finish like the GT4. The flat-six engine gives the driver the option to shut down two cylinders when not much power is required.

The 718 GTS 4.0 versions are equipped with a number of performance-oriented standard features. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system reduces the ride height by 20 mm compared to the standard models. Both cars have the Porsche Torque Vectoring, accompanied by a mechanical limited-slip differential. The rear and front brakes are of 330 mm and 350mm respectively. Ceramic-composite disc brakes are available as an option.

The cabins of the two cars are done in Alcantara, particularly the center seat section covers, the central console, and the wheel rim. The material, in the 718 Cayman GTS spreads, to the headliner and the A-pillars. Carbon-fiber trims come as standard in both cars. The interior package also includes the embroidered Porsche GTS logo on several areas. The cars also have a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. 

The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 and the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 are expected to be available in the US from summer this year. The Stuttgart-headquartered company is yet to reveal the price of the two cars. Industry sources suggest that the vehicles will be pegged higher than the T trim but less than the GT4/Spyder. The entry-level price of the two new cars may hover around $80,000.

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