A duo of the strongest and fastest mid-engine sports cars by Porsche is making its way to the starting line: the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS are the new sporty benchmarks in their segment with power-boosted engines and an excellent PASM chassis.
Highlights of their individual and distinctive appearance include a unique front end with smoked bi-xenon headlights – with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard -, a modified rear body apron, and exterior badges in silky gloss black which combine to make an understated but clear statement that these are the new top models. The name says it all: at Porsche, GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport and has promised outstanding Porsche performance ever since the legendary 904 Carrera GTS dating back to 1963. With the launch of these new models, Porsche is emphasising its tradition of building authentic sports cars for both the race track and everyday use.
The Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS combine top-end dynamic performance with the typical Porsche spread of efficiency, undiminished ride comfort and exclusive features fitted as standard. For instance, the standard PASM and Sport Chrono package combine to let drivers switch between progressive sportiness and long touring comfort at the push of a button. The 235/35 front tyres and 265/35 rear tyres on 20-inch-wheels in Carrera S design are a perfect match for both driving modes. And the standard sports exhaust delivers further emotional appeal. Both two-seaters also come with sports seats Plus and leather interior as standard. Like in the other GTS models from Porsche, they are accentuated by Alcantara elements.
In these new models, Porsche is extending the GTS principle to mid-engine sports cars. Like the Cayenne GTS and Panamera GTS, these are extremely sporty top-end models that represent superior dynamic performance in their respective segments. The GTS initials originate from the 904 Carrera GTS, a race car dating back to 1963 that could also be registered for use on public roads. In the 1980s and 1990s, the 924 GTS and 928 GTS cultivated this principle. It was reintroduced in 2007 in the form of the Cayenne GTS and was later implemented in the 911 series and the Panamera as well.
New top engine performance for Boxster and Cayman
In the new GTS models, Porsche is implementing the two most powerful engines that have ever been used in a production Boxster orCayman. Both are sports car engines that combine ample torque with high power output at higher revs. They deliver what the GTS insignia promises: a high level of spontaneity, cultivated high-revving responsiveness up to the limit of 7,800 rpm and a harmonious power curve over the entire engine speed range.
The flat six-cylinder engines of the new top models are based on the 3.4-litre engines of the Boxster S and Cayman S. They deliver 15 hp (eleven kW) more power due to fine tuning, including optimised management of the combustion process by variable control of the intake camshaft to provide valve timing adjustment (VarioCam Plus). This means that the Boxster GTS now has an output of 330 hp (243 kW), while the Cayman GTS delivers 340 hp (250 kW). Nominal torque has also been increased by ten Newton metres and is available in the range from 4,500 rpm to 5,800 rpm for the Boxster GTS and from 4,750 rpm to 5,800 rpm for the Cayman GTS – ideal for powerful gear transitions during acceleration. This boost in performance drives the weight-to-power ratio of the Cayman GTS below the four kilograms per hp (3.95 kg/hp) barrier; the Boxster GTS is also close to this barrier with 4.08 kg/hp.
Both mid-engine sports cars are equipped with the Sport Chrono package as standard. The results: in conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) and active Sport Plus button, the Boxster GTS sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and the Cayman GTS is one-tenth of a second faster.
As regards the maximum speed – measured with the standard manual six-speed transmission – this new roadster is the first Boxster to top the 280 km/h mark, reaching a speed of 281 km/h. The sports coupé is even faster at 285 km/h. The new models are the first mid-engine two-seaters from Porsche to be certified according to the Euro 6 standard, and by this measuring method they attain a combined fuel consumption value of 8.2 l/100 km with PDK (9.0 l/100 km with manual transmission).
Standard: Sport Chrono package with dynamic transmission mounts
The Sport Chrono package, which is included as standard, is part of the systematic approach to optimising dynamic performance in the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS. It extends the already broad spread of the two-seat cars between sporty tuning – e.g. for a circuit course – and driving comfort for everyday use. To achieve these goals, the package also includes dynamic transmission mounts. They alter their stiffness and damping according to the specific driving situation. With a hard setting of the mounts, for example, rear body roll is minimised when steering into a bend and in a quick series of corners. Its effects are similar to that in racing cars, in which the engine is rigidly mounted to the body with bolts, resulting in more stable and precise handling.
When the Sport Plus button is activated, the standard PASM chassis becomes stiffer and the sport exhaust system is dethrottled. An automatic throttle blip function is implemented when downshifting with the manual transmission. It matches engine revs to the lower gear even better during fast shifting, so that the driver can optimally use engine power or engine braking.
If the sports car has the optional PDK, the driver can also use the Launch Control function for the best possible drive-off acceleration. This shortens the sprint from zero to 100 km/h by 0.2 s compared to normal mode. The Sport Plus button also activates the PDK “race course” shifting strategy.
Upgraded sport exhaust system as standard
Another standard GTS component is the sport exhaust system that has been optimally tuned for the GTS. It now offers an even greater range between cultivated sound attenuation, on the one hand, and emotional sound with reduced back pressure on the other. The driver can activate the sport exhaust system via a switch or via the Sport Plus button on the centre console. The engine management system then controls the switching flaps according to the driving situation. The dual black-finished tailpipes on the two GTS models are the identifying exterior feature of the sport exhaust system.
Chassis delivers superior handling
The driving dynamics of the GTS models are exceptional. The interplay of the mid-engine concept and chassis tuning aims to position both the sports coupé and the roadster at the top within their respective classes. A crucial component here is the standard PASM adaptive damping control system with a suspension that is 10 mm lower.
The optimally controlled damping improves grip and provides greater driving stability, more comfort, enhanced performance and shorter braking distances.
The driver can select between the two modes “Normal” and “Sport” by the PASM button on the centre console. When the Sport Plus button of the Sport Chrono package is pressed, the PASM “Sport” mode is activated which stiffens the dampers. With PASM, the chassis is 10 mm lower, which also contributes to enhanced dynamic performance, particularly when cornering thanks to a lowered centre of gravity. The excellent driving characteristics are rounded off by large 20-inch wheels, which are continually monitored by the standard tyre pressure monitoring system during driving.
More traction, better vehicle dynamics in bends: Porsche Torque Vectoring
Building upon the capabilities of the PASM suspension, the dynamic potential of the GTS two-seaters can be further tapped by the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system. PTV is intelligent interaction of the rear differential lock with selective braking interventions at individual wheels, which is a supplemental function of the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system. Essentially, PTV improves the vehicle’s steering response, steering precision and agility by targeted brake interventions at the rear wheel located at the inside of a bend.
The braking torque is activated as soon as the steering wheel is turned. The results: Increased performance in bends as soon as a turn is initiated. When the vehicle accelerates out of the bend, the rear differential lock significantly improves traction potential. The mechanical rear differential lock included in PTV has, as in the previous model, an asymmetrical locking action of 22 per cent in traction and 27 per cent under power.
Independent appearance, high-end features
A Porsche of the GTS category is always easy to identify. The new GTS cars continue the line of the Panamera GTS and Cayenne GTS with individual traits. The most prominent formal difference is the entirely new front-end with a modified spoiler lip.
The new nose is responsible for the 30 mm longer body. It highlights the extended lines of the two-seater even more. The three larger, black air inlets are also striking. In addition to their two side radiators, both the sports coupé and the roadster have a heat exchanger in the middle.
The dynamic look of the nose is further accentuated by smoked bi-xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard. The dynamic cornering light swivels the headlights when cornering, dependent on the steering angle and driving speed, to illuminate tight bends or when turning. Speed-dependent running light control is also integrated in the system. This adjusts the light cone and light intensity as a function of vehicle speed for better visibility. The LED daytime running lights with their black surrounds in the outer air inlets radiates a very narrow beam of light and are also smoked.
Black as the dominating contrast colour is also found on other elements of the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS. For instance, the roof rails of the coupé two-seater are high-gloss black. The rear is styled with smoked taillights, black-finish tailpipes and a black lower rear panel in a diffuser look with closed fins.
The range of colours can be optionally extended: The Exterior black package, reserved exclusively for the new top models provides a high-gloss black finish to all plastic components such as air inlets, mirror feet and lower rear panel, as well as the logo on the rear body. The roll-over protection bar on the Boxster is also finished off in high-gloss black.
The purposeful appearance is completed by 20-inch wheels in Carrera-S design, which can also be ordered painted entirely in gloss black. The GTS models are also introducing the 20-inch Turbo wheel from the 911 as a new option for the Boxster and Cayman.
Exclusive interior customisation options
The interiors of the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS are coordinated with their exterior designs and both feature black leather upholstery. The middle panels of the standard sport seats Plus are upholstered in Alcantara, which underlines the sporting ambience. Alcantara also covers the central armrest, the rim of the standard Sport Design steering wheel, the shift or selector lever, as well as the inner door panels and the lower section of the dashboard. This material is also used to clad the A-pillars and roof lining in the Cayman GTS. The interior is refined even further with the black GTS badge embroidered on the headrests, a tachometer with GTS badge and door sill plates that also display a black badge. Trim strips are also available on request for the first time in black anodised aluminium. A Sport Design steering wheel is fitted as standard.
Porsche offers two “GTS packages” as exclusive options with the contrasting colours Carmine Red and Rhodium Silver. All decorative seams and embroidery right up to the Porsche logo and the seams of the floor mats are implemented in the selected colour. Even the edges of the safety belts display this contrasting colour. The trim strips come with a carbon look. Essentially, all interior colours are available with all-leather upholstery. The characteristic GTS exterior colour Carmine Red is being offered for the first time on a Boxster/Cayman model.
Optional sport seats for dynamic and long-distance driving
Porsche is also offering the option of adaptive sport seats Plus and sport shell seats for GTS drivers. The adaptive sport Plus seats with 18-way electrical adjustment offer, in contrast to the standard seats, electrical adjustment for optimal lateral support in all driving situations, for instance, longitudinal positioning, seat cushion angle and seat cushion depth. The leather-upholstered sport shell seats are also very lightweight. They offer manual longitudinal adjustment and have an integrated thorax airbag.
GTS models introduce new options
Porsche is broadening the range of optional equipment for both two-seat series with the launch of the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS. The camera-based systems occupy centre stage: the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), the Park Assistant and speed limit display in combination with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.
The PDLS Plus is based on the lighting system installed in the two-seat GTS as standard and has been upgraded with an automatic main beam control. With this automatic main beam control, a camera integrated in the rear-view mirror detects light sources from vehicles ahead and oncoming traffic, and switches smoothly between dipped and main beam accordingly.
A further option is road sign recognition. This information system uses a camera to detect speed limits, no-overtaking zones and the ends of these zones. It also considers secondary signs.
A front and rear Park Assistant with reversing camera is also available. This option includes a camera above the rear licence plate, in addition to the ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear aprons. It shows the driver such information as the vehicle path on the PCM monitor, based on the steering wheel position. A transparent, rectangular colour field on the monitor indicates the vehicle parking area and so offers further assistance during parking. The video display of the reversing camera can also be combined with the top view from the Park Assistant.
With country-specific equipment and VAT the Boxster GTS costs €69,949 and the Cayman GTS costs €73,757 in Germany.