Launched: Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS
By khulekani / on June 21st, 2018 / in Car Reviews, featuredBy Sala Masindane
When Porsche introduces a new model; they release the entry level version followed by the S model – the sportier version. Then comes the GTS, GT3, at times a GT4 and if we are lucky, an R version. This is done to add variety to the buying option of any Porsche. We had the privilege of testing the recently released Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS, which comes after the S model, at the Kyalami Racetrack.
Exterior
The 718 Boxster is the convertible version of Cayman. Tweaks are can be seen all over the GTS and they included front light modules and Bi-Xenon headlights that are black-tinted. The tail lights are also tinted, black 718 logos, front and rear aprons that are distinctive to the GTS are also part of the design. The striking standard double sports exhaust system give the cars a different look and sound. The all black 20-inch Carrera S wheels, grille and the GTS logo complete the side profile. The Boxster’s canvas roof does generate more wind noise and turns heads, remember the “poor man’s Porsche” slurs? Those will no longer be uttered with the 718 Boxster GTS.
Interior
Both models are decked out with Sports Seats Plus, which are comfortable for daily driving or for those track days. Alcantara suede covers the armrest, shift lever, the steering wheel rim and roof lining. Just in case you forgot, there’s a GTS logo on the headrests of the seats. The infotainment includes the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, this is user friendly but also a powerful connection tool between the driver and the Porsche. A 7-inch touchscreen is paired with the PCM and it is also voice controllable. The 718 GTS is more of a driver’s car than a family car so the boot space is limited.
The Fun Stuff
The 718 GTS series is powered by a turbocharged flat 4 cyclinder 2.5-litre motor and produces 269 kW and 430 Nm of torque, this is 11kW more than the 718 S models. Yes, you heard right, Porsche has moved from the 6-cyclinder for the718. The engine is paired Porsche’s 7-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, which is Porsche’s version of the DCT. The claimed sprint to 100 km/h is 4.1 seconds. The 718 is also available in six-speed manual transmission but we would take the PDK any day. It does not take away the driving experience from the car, it is intuitive and it never feels as though you need to change gears, and if you need to, the paddle shifters are there. To enhance the performance, Porsche throws in the standard Sport Chrono pack which includes Porsche Stability Management (PSM) Sport mode, which allows a moderate level of stability control that enables greater wheel spin and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which provides for better driving performance.
We drove from the Kyalami Racetrack track to the Porsche Centre Pretoria for the road test using the normal driving mode. The track test was toggled between Sports and Sport Plus. All these can be controlled by a knob between the steering-wheel spokes. The ride quality is firm on the road and the track, there is little to no body roll when pushing the car at the racetrack. Steering is responsive and quick to direct the 718 in sharp corners.
Which do you buy?
Look, both the Boxster and Cayman are equally capable, we found the Cayman to be firmer on racetrack but the Boxster also did everything it with ease. The decision would be purely based on preference.
Prices:
Porsche 718 Caymann GTS – R1,122,000
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS – R1,137,000