- Replaces turbocharged 4-cylinder GTS
- Features 4.0-liter flat-6
- 6-speed manual standard
- Expected to start below $90,000
- Available in Fall 2020
Porsche has announced that a pair of 6-cylinder 718 models will join the automaker’s sports car lineup for the 2021 model year. The 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 roadster and the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 coupe will feature high-revving 4.0-liter engines, which are mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission to deliver a sporty, engaging, and visceral experience for discerning driving enthusiasts.
Naturally-aspirated 6-cylinder boxer engine
Replacing the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-4 boxer engine, which was standard fitment on the 2020 718 Cayman GTS and 2020 718 Boxster GTS, is a 4.0-liter flat-6 rated at 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque (the outgoing 4-cylinder engine was rated at 365 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque). According to Porsche, the engine is closely related to the 414-horsepower 4.0-liter currently offered in the 2020 718 Spyder and 2020 718 GT4.
Accompanying the new engine is a standard 6-speed manual gearbox (expect a dual-clutch 7-speed “PDK” automatic variant later), which is complemented by a standard Sport Exhaust system. Both the Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe can reportedly accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 182 mph.
Standard mechanical limited-slip differential
Befitting its enthusiast-oriented mission, Porsche fits both GTS 4.0 models with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport suspension, Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with individually selectable PSM Sport mode, and a mechanical limited-slip differential as standard equipment. Further reinforcing its track tune, and allowing owners to analyze performance-related data with a smartphone app, is the standard Sport Chrono package with upgraded Porsche Track Precision App.
Porsche has upgraded the brakes on the GTS 4.0 models, fitting 6-piston front calipers over 13.8-inch rotors in the front and 4-piston calipers over 13.0-inch rotors in the rear. As expected, the automaker is offering its Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) package as an available option. Standard wheels are 20-inch alloys with high-performance summer tires (235/35 ZR 20 at the front and 265/35 ZR 20 at the rear).
Unique cosmetics distinguish GTS 4.0 models
GTS models in the Porsche lineup are traditionally differentiated by blackened trim and dark wheels. The new GTS 4.0 models have a lower front spoiler lip and air intake in black, and the front running light lenses have been darkly tinted. The aluminum wheels have also been painted black.
The interior is upholstered with black Alcantara, which covers the center sections of the standard Sport Seats Plus, center console, gear lever, door armrests, and steering wheel rim. The Cayman coupe has the same synthetic material on the A-pillars and roof headliner. An optional GTS Interior Package adds “GTS” emblems and embroidering throughout the cabin.
How much does the 2021 Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 cost?
Porsche has not confirmed pricing, but we expect the 2021 Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 models to be priced at just under $90,000, including destination. Dealers will begin taking orders in the summer of 2020, with deliveries expected before the end of the year.
