RE: New GTS model for Porsche 718
Wednesday 18th October 2017
The launch of a new GTS is typically a moment to be celebrated. The current iteration of 911 is so good that for a passing moment you forget about the GT3, and drive everywhere with your tongue dangling from the corner of your mouth. The last generation of Cayman (and Boxster, for that matter) was, if anything, even better. Naturally the GT4's place in the Porsche hall of fame is already set in stone, frozen in carbonite and mounted on the far wall - but if you had to drive one every day, to places far less interesting than a race circuit, you wouldn't necessarily be wrong to prefer the better value, better cosseting and not-hugely-slower GTS.
Look like an old one; will sound a bit different...That makes its act rather tough to follow, and of course where the old version was powered by the impeccable 3.4-litre flat-six in its heightened 340hp format, the new 718 (whether in Cayman or Boxster format) continues with the marmite-y prospect of the 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four. As you'd expect, the unit has been gently overhauled for the new setting: power increasing by 15hp to 365hp thanks to fettled blower and a new air intake system - only 20hp less than the 981 GT4. Peak torque is up very marginally, too - to 317lb ft from 1,900rpm.
Same dubious press pics as before too!The lower-riding appearance is complimented by 20-inch alloys finished in black satin paint. This theme is familiar from the previous generation: you also get black tinted lights, black logos, a black apron and black tailpipes, too. Together with the Sport Design apron to the front and the much higher proportion of Alcantara utilized in the cabin (together with uprated sport seats), the GTS out to remain a distinctively recognizable part of the 718 range. Its price is distinctive, too: £59,866 for the Cayman; £61,727 for the Boxster - both with the six-speed manual (the PDK remains an option).
New GTS model for Porsche 718
The GTS badge has often signified the range sweet spot; only time will tell if its special kind of magic works on the latest Cayman and Boxster...
Look like an old one; will sound a bit different...
As before, the GTS's premium buys you plenty of desirable kit previously found languishing on the option list. The Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical limited slip differential and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) are all standard faire - the latter addition ensuring that the model's ride height drops by 10mm compared to the conventional Cayman or Boxster.
Same dubious press pics as before too!
Brass tacks, that's an £8K walkup from the respective S models - and (as was the case last time) you'd end up in much the same ballpark if you tried to cost option your way to the same level of spec. As a result the new model will likely begin eating into its sibling's sales volume from today; come December, we'll find out whether the GTS badge still deserves it's currently sky-high reputation.
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Discussion
GTEYE said:
And in the real world...a lot of the alcantara gets "upgraded" back to leather so the interior is then the same as the S...
No, it really doesn't. In fact, the majority of 981 GTS cars you see, will have the GTS interior pack and no upgraded leather. Leather interiors are the exception not the rule on a GTS.From the couple of videos I have seen, the implication is that the exhaust is new for the GTS ("..the GTS exhaust system..") but I have yet to find a place that's confirmed. Still no 981 GTS sound, but then hardly anything is!
I have to say I was never a fan of the looks of the Cayman\Boxster but the latest iterations seem to have finally nailed the styling. Unfortunately £60k for a car with a 2.5 litre 4 pot engine, no matter how good it is, is a bit too rich IMO. Given the chance, I'd save myself some money and go for a last gen GTS with a proper engine.
Trophy-GTA said:
Pistonheads might as well become Porscheheads.
It looks like you may have our Porsche filter turned on where only Porsche news are shown to you.If you go to to the homepage and scroll past the featured box it will turn off the Porsche filter and other manufacturer stories will be revealed.
Hopefully, that will help.
Guvernator said:
Unfortunately £60k for a car with a 2.5 litre 4 pot engine, no matter how good it is, is a bit too rich IMO. Given the chance, I'd save myself some money and go for a last gen GTS with a proper engine.
That is the issue. I've looked at 718 late 2015, and went for VW hot-hatch instead I believe many do. Similar engine(2.0 turbo pot 4), more practicality,reliability and half the price. Previous Boxster/Caymans used to offer 911 characters with nearly half the price, currently just does not add-up. You could buy two cars; a brand newGolf R + used 987 or 986 with low miles, still costs less than current 718 line.Ironically makes you realise how good the 981 GTS model was. It appropriately still uses a Flat-4, because it sounds exactly that, flat.
A Porsche sports car should always sound good, without the sonorous noise, the combination of the sweet chassis, fabulous steering and gear-change are just not enough to win your heart. Some may love the 4-pot sound but I know an awful lot who don't.
A Porsche sports car should always sound good, without the sonorous noise, the combination of the sweet chassis, fabulous steering and gear-change are just not enough to win your heart. Some may love the 4-pot sound but I know an awful lot who don't.
I'm another one who would sooner have the previous generation, naturally aspirated car.
Must admit, I heard a new 911 the other day and thought it sounded good as it went past. But revs are important, and I know just how wonderful the naturally aspirated lump sounds past 7,000rpm - I couldn't give that up.
Must admit, I heard a new 911 the other day and thought it sounded good as it went past. But revs are important, and I know just how wonderful the naturally aspirated lump sounds past 7,000rpm - I couldn't give that up.
Nik Attard said:
Trophy-GTA said:
Pistonheads might as well become Porscheheads.
It looks like you may have our Porsche filter turned on where only Porsche news are shown to you.If you go to to the homepage and scroll past the featured box it will turn off the Porsche filter and other manufacturer stories will be revealed.
Hopefully, that will help.
Guvernator said:
I have to say I was never a fan of the looks of the Cayman\Boxster but the latest iterations seem to have finally nailed the styling. Unfortunately £60k for a car with a 2.5 litre 4 pot engine, no matter how good it is, is a bit too rich IMO. Given the chance, I'd save myself some money and go for a last gen GTS with a proper engine.
You wouldn't be saving yourself much money, mate. 
GTEYE said:
Really? Its not exactly like for like. Or maybe you could go shopping for an iPhone and come back with a coffee machine...
The looks can be deceiving, I would suggest a test-drive One can always end up with a glossy but over-priced iPhone, that would not even run basic apps with a decent speed!
ooid said:
That is the issue. I've looked at 718 late 2015, and went for VW hot-hatch instead I believe many do. Similar engine(2.0 turbo pot 4), more practicality,reliability and half the price. Previous Boxster/Caymans used to offer 911 characters with nearly half the price, currently just does not add-up. You could buy two cars; a brand newGolf R + used 987 or 986 with low miles, still costs less than current 718 line.
Why would anyone go looking at a Porsche and then think...."nah, not for me, I'll buy a Golf". 99.9% of people would do no such thing. You either want a good looking 2-seater convertible sports car, or you want a 3/5 door hot hatch. There's no real cross-over there save that they're both quite powerful.Yes, the Golf is more practical, but that's not really the point of a Boxster is it? And more reliable.....really?? Any evidence on that one?
For the record, I also think it's insane money when I could have the much better 981 S for much less money.
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