Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS revealed

The Porsche 718 GTS range has been revealed ahead of a March 2018 debut in Australia.

Due to be formally unveiled at next month’s LA motor show, the Cayman GTS coupe and Boxster GTS Roadster will be priced from $173,100 (plus on-road costs) and $175,900 (plus on-road costs) respectively.

Both are seen here in official photographs bearing subtle physical changes including a re-worked front bumper, black tinted head lamps and tail lamps, a more prominent rear diffuser element and centrally-mounted back tail pipes included in the car’s sports exhaust system.

The big revelation is the high-acclaimed 3.5-litre flat six-cylinder of the predecessor GTS models has been eschewed for a 2.5-litre turbo-four that already does service in the regular 718 models.

A new intake system and turbocharger help boost power to 269kW and 430Nm, the latter on a band of revs between 1900rpm and 5000rpm. The GTS brings an additional 11kW and 10Nm over the S model on which it is heavily based, and up to 26kW on the predecessor.

The increase in power and torque correspond with a 4.1 second 0-100km/h time and 290km/h top speed, when paired with the optional $5980 PDK automatic transmission.

The GTS’ sportier pretensions are underlined by standard fitment of a mechanical rear differential lock with Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Active Suspension Management (which lowers the suspension by 10mm) and Sports Chrono Package.

Inside the GTS models feature Alcantara accents on the seats, steering wheel, centre console and arm rests. Naturally, both are offered with Porsche’s Track Precision App, which allows driver to record, display and analyse driving data on their smartphone.

Porsche Cars Australia has indicated an early 2018 arrival of the GTS duo.

2018 Porsche 718 GTS pricing (plus ORCs):
Cayman GTS -- $173,100
Boxster GTS – $175,900