2018 Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS are a relative performance bargain

Porsche GTS models have always represented a real sweet spot in the German automaker's lineup. It doesn't matter if it's a Cayenne or a 911, the GTS model offers a lot of value when it comes to performance. For 2018, Porsche has finally revealed the latest version of the 718 twins, the Boxster and Cayman GTS. The cars pack in more power and more performance features than both the current S models and outgoing GTS.

At the heart of the 718 Boxster and Cayman rests a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat four making 365 horsepower and either 309 (manual) or 317 (PDK) pound-feet of torque. The latter is fully available at just 1,900 rpm. That's 15 more horses than the standard S model and 35 more than the previous flat-six powered GTS. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but Porsche's magical seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available as an option. PDK-equipped cars can hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 180 mph.

The GTS is all about going fast, so pretty much every performance option on the 718 Boxster and Cayman S is standard on the GTS. Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear-differential lock, the Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Active Suspension are all standard. The latter lowers the car 0.39 inches or 10 mm compared to standard models. The Sport Exhaust System is standard.

Visually, the GTS models are defined by a number of black and red accents. On the exterior, the cars get tinted headlights and taillights, black 20-inch wheels, black lower front and rear fascias, black air intakes, black exhaust tips and black badging, including a GTS logo on the doors.

The interior is a sea of leather and Alcantara. The standard Sport Plus seats are mostly covered with Alcantara and feature red GTS logos in the headrests. The steering wheel, center console armrest, door armrests and shift boot are all made of Alcantara. The large dial for the Sport Chrono package rests in the center of the dashboard. Cars with navigation get the Porsche Track Precision App.

The cars are available for order now, though deliveries aren't expected until March 2018. The 718 Cayman GTS starts at $80,850, while the drop-top 718 Boxster GTS is a little more expensive at $82,950.

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2018 Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS are a relative performance bargain originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Oct 2017 11:30:00 EDT.