For those looking for a leaner, more focused, and more athletic version of the 718, the newest GTS is on the horizon. Prospective buyers will have to wait until March 2018 to pick up their 718 GTS and fork over a hefty $79,800 for a Cayman or a princely $81,900 for a Boxster (Canadian pricing is $90,600 and $93,000 respectively). However, the GTS’ features and claimed performance figures make that seem like a very reasonable price.
GREATER GRUNT
When the 718 was released, the burbling, muted, Subaru-esque note of the 2.5-liter four left some of the purists yearning for more—at least in the aural department—and perhaps the latest GTS variant might provide that. Not only will the revised engine offer a better soundtrack with a new air intake and a raucous exhaust, but a recalibrated ECU will bring on some significant power gains that should, hopefully, soothe those missing the six-cylinder howl of the previous generation.
More importantly, the power figures will climb: 365 horsepower and an incredible 317 lb-ft of torque (309 lb-ft in manual transmission models) will allow both PDK-equipped GTS models, when utilizing the Sport Chrono function, to sprint to sixty in a mere 3.9 seconds and continue onto a top speed of 180 mph. The upgraded engine management also provides a wide, accessible powerband offering maximum torque from 1,900 rpm to 5,000 rpm (5,500 rpm in the manual transmission models), and that means more everyday usability, as well as plenty of stoplight-to-stoplight performance.
AESTHETIC UPDATES
Now, a GTS wouldn’t look right if it wasn’t a little tauter, a little more purposeful, and a little more menacing than its siblings. These cars represent the gym-addicted athlete in the family, and they need to look the part. A new bumper, an extended chin spoiler, tinted headlights and tailights, a black rear apron, black exhaust tips, and 20″, satin black wheels all add a hint of menace.
Inside, the two receive the typical track-car treatment; lots of alcantara and GTS logos stitched into the headrests. Adding to the sense of occasion, the Sport Chronometer sits atop the dashboard and the Porsche Track Precision App (PTPA) offers the avid trackday driver the ability to analyze their lines, braking points, cornering forces, and general performance on track.
STANDARD AND OPTIONAL TECH
PTPA isn’t the only acronym which will attract the technically-minded. The 718 GTS models are fitted with PASM, which will drop the ride height by ten millimeters and help fill the wheel wells for a much sportier stance. To make good use of all that mid-range grunt, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and an upgraded locking differential will come as standard.
Additionally, a six-speed manual will come as standard, but for those who want greater shift speeds and acceleration that would embarrass most supercars, PDK is an option.
Considering the nimbleness and athletic appearance we’ve associated with the previous GTS lineup, rapid shifts offered by the seven-speed PDK, the immense traction brought on by the differential and PTV, and the broad wave of torque, it’s safe to assume many will forget about the divisive exhaust note and simply revel in the 911-beating levels of performance.