Thought Porsche didn’t listen to consumer feedback? Let the latest 718 Cayman/Boxster derivative convince you otherwise.
The 2020 718 GTS 4.0 brings beefy six-cylinder power back to the core range, answering the calls of customers, journalists and fans alike.
Borrowed the flagship Cayman GT4 and [Boxster] Spyder, the naturally-aspirated flat-six mill measures 4.0-litres in displacement – as the cars’ names suggest – and generates 294kW of power and 418Nm of torque – 15kW/2Nm down on the engine’s original application.
Porsche claims 4.5-second 0-100km/h sprint times and 293km/h top speeds for the rear-drive coupe and cabriolet duo.
A six-speed manual transmission is the sole gearbox option at this stage, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic expected to follow in 2021.
A selection of Porsche’s dizzying array of performance options are bundled as standard, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (which drops the ride height by 20mm), Porsche Torque Vectoring and a limited-slip rear differential.
Bigger brakes have been fitted to cope with the extra grunt, measuring 350mm up front with six-piston calipers and 330mm at the rear. Carbon-ceramic units are available as an option.
Visually, the duo are identical to their four-cylinder GTS forebears, sporting a black SportDesign exterior package, tinted lights and 20-inch grey alloy wheels.
Inside, black Alcantara trim adorns the steering wheel, seats and dashboard, complemented by carbon-fibre trim. A ‘GTS Interior Package’ is available as a cost option, similarly to Bose or Burmester premium sound systems.
The 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS hit Australian shores mid-year, priced from $172,400 for the coupe and $175,200 for the convertible (both plus on-road costs).
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