Porsche busts out new Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS

Wed, 19 Mar 2014

Baby 911. The poor man's Porsche. That's what they called the Boxster when it debuted some 20 years ago. They said the same of the first Cayman when it arrived a decade later, but they stopped saying it when the latest iterations hit the scene two years ago. That's because Zuffenhausen's entry-level models have long since stepped out of their big brother's shadow and into their own. And that's all the more true of the new Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS.

Based on the Boxster S and Cayman S, the new GTS models benefit from an enhanced 3.4-liter flat six that produces 330 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque in the roadster or 340 hp and 280 lb-ft in the coupe – representing an increase of 15 hp and 7 lb-ft in either model. Both also come with the Sport Chrono package as standard, along with adjustable suspension and 20-inch alloys, blacked out to match the dynamic headlight surrounds and other muted trim.

Those disappointed by the unavailability of a manual transmission in the fire-prone 911 GT3 will be pleased to note that a six-speed manual comes standard, but those enamored of letting a pair of clutches shift themselves seamlessly will want to spring for the optional seven-speed DCT. So equipped and with launch control engaged, the Boxster GTS will rocket from a standstill to 62 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds, while the incrementally lighter, more powerful Cayman will hit it in 4.6. Either way you're looking at a third of a second quicker than the Boxster/Cayman S. There's also a 20-millimeter lowered suspension on offer for track-day enthusiasts.

We're still waiting on local availability and pricing from Porsche Cars North America, which we suspect will reveal the pair at the upcoming New York Auto Show, but in the meantime you can scope out the pair of press releases from the UK below.

NEW PORSCHE BOXSTER GTS SPRINTS INTO SUMMER

- The benchmark roadster gains a more powerful 330 hp engine and uprated chassis
- Chassis tuned with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) fitted as standard
- More purposeful styling further emphasises mid-engine design
- On sale now priced from £52,879 – arriving in Porsche Centres in UK and Ireland from May 2014

Since the Porsche Boxster first appeared in showrooms nearly 20 years ago, the mid-engined two-seater has established itself as the benchmark roadster. The new Boxster GTS, which is announced today, enhances the driving experience further with an uprated engine and specific chassis tuning, and in the process sets a new standard for open-top driving enthusiasts.

Building on the proven Boxster virtues of light weight, responsive handling and a charismatic flat-six engine, the GTS features an optimised version of the proven 3.4-litre engine which has been tuned to produce an additional 15 hp (11 kW). The Boxster GTS thus develops 330 hp (243 kW), and pulling power has also increased by ten newton metres to 370 Nm.

Further emphasising the distinctive character of the GTS is the Sport Chrono package and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), fitted as standard. These offer the driver the opportunity to not only modify the damper stiffness, but also subtly change the throttle characteristics of the engine. In conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed double-clutch transmission, the Launch Control function – engaged via the Sport Plus button - enables the Boxster GTS to accelerate from 0 - 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.3 secs quicker than the standard Boxster S PDK.

With the standard manual six-speed transmission, the GTS is the first Boxster to offer the potential to top the 174 mph (280 km/h) threshold. The new GTS is also the company's first mid-engined roadster to be certified according to the Euro 6 emissions standard, and achieves an overall fuel consumption with PDK of 34.4 mpg (31.4 mpg with manual transmission).

The dynamic engine mounts also offered as part of the Sport Chrono package enable the Boxster GTS to offer an impressive breadth of responsiveness. Under acceleration, cornering or braking, the mountings for the engine stiffen automatically to reduce the effects of mass transfer during dynamic manoeuvres, further increasing agility.

The Boxster GTS can also be specified with a new, optional sports chassis configuration that lowers the ride height by 20 mm, underlying the fact that at the heart of every Porsche is a race car suitable for both the circuit and everyday use.

From the outside, the new Boxster GTS features subtle yet unmistakable visual clues to its identity. Purposeful black finish 20-inch diameter Carrera S alloy wheels, with 235/35 tyres at the front and 265/35 tyres at the rear, give a strong hint to the car's intent. A distinctively-styled front spoiler and black finish Bi-Xenon headlights – with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard – present a new face, and from the rear exterior lettering in silky black gloss and a re-styled lower apron complete the picture.

Inside, there are sports seats and leather trim as standard. Like other GTS models, the interior ambience is refined with Alcantara elements.

The GTS lineage

Since the legendary 904 Carrera GTS of the 1960s, the letters 'GTS' have stood for 'Gran Turismo Sport' and a promise of outstanding levels of Porsche performance.

With the new model, Porsche is extending the GTS principle to the Boxster. Like the Cayenne GTS and Panamera GTS already, this is a car that stands for superior driving dynamics in its segment. The combination of letters originates 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 reborn in 2007 in the form of the Cayenne GTS, and was subsequently applied to the 'Type 997' 911 and the Panamera.

Boxster GTS in the UK

The new Boxster GTS is available to order now priced from £52,879, and will be arriving in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland from May 2014.

Standard equipment on the Boxster GTS includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Sport Chrono package with dynamic transmission mounts, black finish 20-inch diameter Carrera S alloy wheels, black finish Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System, leather/Alcantara interior, Sports seats Plus with powered adjustment, air conditioning, CD audio system with seven-inch touch-screen, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic headlight activation, auto stop-start function, 'Sport' button, front electric windows, powered fabric roof with heated glass rear window, floor mats, top-tinted windscreen and a three-year warranty.

Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

NEW PORSCHE CAYMAN GTS RESETS SPORTS COUPE BENCHMARK

- Definitive mid-engine coupe with more power and greater dynamic virtuosity
- 340 hp 3.4-litre flat six engine – 0-62 mph in 4.6 secs, 177 mph top speed
- Porsche Active Suspension Management and Sport Chrono pack fitted as standard
- Optional 20 mm lower sports chassis available for more focused on-track performance
- Priced from £55,397 – available to order now, in Porsche Centres from May

The new Porsche Cayman GTS is the most powerful and fastest edition of the mid-engined coupe from the German sports car manufacturer to date. With an uprated engine and sharpened chassis responses, the Cayman GTS sets a new benchmark for sporting performance in its market.

Since its debut in 2005, the Cayman has earned a particular reputation as a driver's car. At the heart of the two-seater beats a charismatic flat-six engine, positioned deep in the middle of the chassis to offer a low centre of gravity for a balanced and precise driving experience. Furthermore, the distinctive coupe styling confers a high level of torsional rigidity which further enhances the dynamic virtuosity.

The six-cylinder 'boxer' engine in the Cayman GTS is based on the 3.4-litre engine of the Cayman S. Specific fine tuning has delivered an additional 15 hp (11 kW), with the result that the Cayman GTS offers 340 hp (250 kW). The torque has also increased by ten newton metres to 380 Nm.

Further emphasising the distinctive character of the GTS is the Sport Chrono package and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), fitted as standard. These offer the driver the opportunity to not only modify the damper stiffness, but also subtly change the throttle characteristics of the engine. In conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed double-clutch transmission, the Launch Control function accessed via the Sport Plus button enables the Cayman GTS to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds, 0.3 secs quicker than a standard Cayman S with PDK.

With the standard manual six-speed transmission, a top speed of 177 mph is possible. The new GTS is also the first mid-engined Porsche coupe to be certified according to the Euro 6 emissions standard, and achieves an overall fuel consumption with PDK of 34.4 mpg Combined (31.4 mpg with manual transmission).

The dynamic engine mounts also offered as part of the Sport Chrono package enables the Cayman GTS to offer an impressive breadth of chassis responsiveness. Under acceleration, cornering or braking, the mountings between the body shell and engine stiffen automatically to reduce the effects of mass transfer during dynamic manoeuvres, further increasing agility.

Furthermore, the standard fit Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) enables the driver to switch between progressive sporting behaviour and long-distance comfort at the press of a button. Stylish black painted 20-inch diameter Carrera S alloy wheels riding on 235/35 tyres at the front and 265/35 tyres at the rear complete the chassis set-up.

The Cayman GTS can also be specified with a new, optional sports chassis configuration that lowers the ride height by 20 mm, underlying the fact that at the heart of every Porsche is a race car suitable for both the circuit and everyday use.

The strong, individual character of the Cayman gains further independence with the GTS model. A distinctively styled front spoiler and black-finish Bi-Xenon headlights – with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard – are a subtle clue to the new model's identity, which is confirmed from behind with exterior lettering in silky black gloss finish, and a re-styled lower rear apron.

Inside, bolstered sports seats and leather trim are standard. Like other Porsche GTS models, the sporting ambience of the interior is refined with Alcantara elements.

The GTS lineage

The Porsche Cayman can trace its roots back to the legendary 904 Carrera GTS of the 1960s, which likewise was a mid-engined two-seater coupe. Since those days, the letters 'GTS' have stood for 'Gran Turismo Sport' and a promise of outstanding levels of Porsche performance.

With the new model, Porsche is extending the GTS principle to the Cayman. Like the Cayenne GTS and Panamera GTS already, this is a car that stands for superior driving dynamics in its market.

The combination of letters originates from the 904 Carrera GTS, a race car launched in 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 reborn in 2007 in the form of the Cayenne GTS, and was subsequently also implemented in the 'Type 997' 911 and most recently the Panamera.

Cayman GTS in the UK

The new Cayman GTS is available to order now priced from £55,397, and will be arriving in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland in May.

Standard equipment on the Cayman GTS includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Sport Chrono package with dynamic engine mounts, black finish 20-inch diameter Carrera S alloy wheels, black finish Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System, leather/Alcantara interior, Sports seats Plus with electric adjustment, air conditioning, CD audio system with seven-inch touch-screen, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic headlight activation, auto stop-start function, 'Sport' button, front electric windows, floor mats, top-tinted windscreen and a three-year warranty.

Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

By Noah Joseph