PDK auto for Porsche Cayman GTS, GT4 and Boxster GTS and Spyder

Flagship GTS 4.0 versions of the Porsche 718 Cayman coupe and Boxster roadster are now even quicker thanks to a PDK automatic transmission option for their hairy-chested, naturally-aspirated 294kW 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engines.

And the Porsche 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4 mid-engined twins that use an uprated 309kW version of the big-bore engine also now show a cleaner pair of heels by picking up the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the six-speed manual.

All 718 PDK-equipped prize-fighters are available to order now ahead of their Australian launch in the first quarter of next year, attracting a $5990 premium over the equivalent manual in the Cayman GTS 4.0 and Boxster GTS 4.0 twins, or a $5090 uptick in the case of the Cayman GT4 and Boxster-based Spyder.

And as carsales predicted back in February, when news of the PDK’s latest assignment emerged overseas, the four top-shelf 718 sports cars are now quicker than the cheapest Porsche 911!

Here are the numbers…

With PDK on board, the Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS are both 0.5 seconds quicker than the respective manual version to 100km/h, hitting the national highway limit in 4.0sec flat.

The licence-busting 200km/h comes up in a claimed 13.7sec -- four-tenths quicker than with the stick shift.

The PDK-equipped Porsche 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4, meanwhile, are also both half a second quicker than the equivalent manual to 100km/h, reaching the mark in 3.9sec on the way to 200km/h in just 13.4sec (-0.4sec).

As for the 992-series Porsche 911 Carrera, with its 331kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder boxer engine and standard eight-speed PDK, the 100km/h dash is completed in 4.2sec, with 200km/h done and dusted in 14.5.

Pricing for the Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK starts from $177,990 plus on-road costs, with the Boxster equivalent starting at $180,790 plus ORCs.

The Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder both start over the $200K mark with the PDK, the GT4 priced from $211,690 and the Spyder a more affordable proposition at $201,890 plus ORCs.

For the record, the 911 Carrera Coupe kicks off from $229,500, with the 911 Carrera Cabriolet chiming in at $251,000.

Porsche says PDK improves comfort for the 718 driver with no interruptions in acceleration during gear changes, which are executed via steering wheel paddles or a selector lever inspired by the Porsche 911 GT3.

The Sport Chrono package is fitted standard, handing the driver a Sport Plus driving mode and launch control.

Porsche claims the PDK versions of the Spyder and Cayman GT4 also benefit from revisions to the mechanical locking rear differential in traction and overrun modes, achieving locking values of 30 and 17 per cent respectively compared with 22/27 per cent with the manual.

“This has a positive effect on the longitudinal and lateral dynamics as well as traction, and increases driving pleasure,” Porsche says.

The arrival of PDK marks the 2021 model year for the 718 series, which picks up new features including Race-Tex seat upholstery (replacing Alcantara fabric) and a Python Green exterior paint option on the GT models (GT4/Spyder).

The Boxster Spyder is also now available with the 20-inch Aurum wheels that up until now have been only available on the Cayman GT4.

How much do the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS, GT4 and Spyder models cost?
Cayman GTS 4.0 – $172,000
Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK – $177,990
Boxster GTS 4.0 – $174,800
Boxster GTS 4.0 – $180,790
Boxster Spyder – $196,800
Boxster Spyder PDK – $201,890
Cayman GT4 – $206,600
Cayman GT4 PDK – $211,690
* Prices exclude on-road costs