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Johannesburg - Porsche spruces its 718 range with an enhanced Boxster and Cayman GTS, now benefiting from more power and improved tech.
Here's all you need to know about Porsche's new mid-engined sports cars.
The best GTS models thus far
Porsche South Africa: "The two new GTS models are the sportiest and most emotional designs in the 718 line. They are aimed particularly at drivers who love design and appreciate a vehicle that is ideally suited for everyday use but do not want to sacrifice sportiness.
"In addition to a number of performance-orientated features, the GTS models boast a high trim level, even in the basic package. Sporty contrasts and exceptional details give them that added extra."
Image: Wheels24 / Janine Van der Post
READ: We drive the new SA-bound Porsche Cayenne in Oman
The new cars are powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo flat engine with a redeveloped intake duct and optimised turbocharger; compared to the S variant, power increases by 11kW to 269kW. Depending on the transmission, maximum torque is 430Nm with PDK or 420Nm with a manual six-speed transmission.
Image: Wheels24 / Janine Van der Post
Compared to the GTS pre-decessor (with naturally aspirated engine) its 26kW/70Nm more powerful.
Fuel consumption and emissions
718 Boxster GTS: combined fuel consumption 9.0–8.2 l/100 km, urban 12.3–10.9 l/100 km, extra- urban 7.0–6.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 205–186 g/km
718 Cayman GTS: combined fuel consumption 9.0–8.2 l/100 km, urban 12.3–10.9 l/100 km, extra- urban 7.0–6.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 205–186 g/km
Performance
With the Sport Chrono Package as standard and PDK, the 718 GTS can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is 290km/h.
The 718 GTS models are fitted with 20" Carrera S wheels painted in black. Front brake discs have a diameter of 330mm and the rear discs are 299mm.
The Sport Chrono Package, including dynamic gearbox mounts, is fitted as standard. The standard chassis with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) lowers the body of the GTS derivatives by 10mm compared to the S model.
Design
Visually, the GTS gains a new 'Sport Design' front, black-tinted Bi-Xenon headlights, tinted tail lights, black logos, black rear apron and centrally positioned black sports exhaust, black GTS logos and 20" wheels painted in black.
Inside
The GTS has sports seats with alcantara leather. The steering wheel rim, shift lever and armrest are also covered with Alcantara, as is the roof lining in the 718 Cayman GTS. The headrests features embroidered GTS logos.
The standard Porsche Track Precision app allows automatic recording of driving data on a smartphone.
Porsche Communication Management
The new 718 GTS models also feature the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system as standard. The online navigation module, voice control and Porsche Connect are available as options.
The PCM features a high-resolution touchscreen display with built-in proximity sensor that is very simple and convenient to use. As with a smartphone, it is operated using multi-touch gestures on the screen. Mobile phones and smartphones can be connected via Wi-Fi using the optional Connect Plus module.
Real-time traffic information is available as an option, allowing quick and reliable navigation. In addition to providing a rapid overview of the traffic situation, this information also enables dynamic route adjustments.
Image: Wheels24 / Janine Van der Post
A large number of further Porsche Connect services are also available. For a detailed overview of the Connect services available for each country and vehicle, visit www.porsche.com/connect.
The Sport Chrono Package is also included as standard. In addition to an analogue stopwatch on the dashboard and digital stopwatch in the instrument cluster, this package includes a performance display. The enhanced Porsche Track Precision app is available for the new 718 GTS models for the first time.
This smartphone app, which has its origins in motorsport, connects directly to the vehicle systems and automatically records and displays information obtained when driving on racetracks, as well as performing detailed analyses of this information.
Drivers can trigger and record their own laps from 130 predefined circuits around the world. If the desired racetrack is not already available, drivers can add it themselves within the app.
Optional assistance systems
The standard equipment in the 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS already includes extensive safety systems such as the multi-collision brake. The system can reduce the severity of a subsequent impact by slowing the vehicle automatically after the initial collision. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) keeps the mid-engine sports cars under control even when driven at their limits.
The available assistance systems allow the new GTS models to be individually tailored to personal requirements: The optional cruise control function brakes moderately if the set speed could be exceeded on a downwards gradient. The optional adaptive cruise control system (ACC) includes a coasting function in combination with the PDK.
Image: Wheels24 / Janine Van der Post
The Lane Change Assist function increases the safety of GTS models when driving on fast, multi-lane roads. Once driving at over 15 km/h, the system uses radar sensors in the rear end to monitor the area behind the vehicle and the driver’s blind spot.
At speeds between 30 km/h and 250 km/h, the system uses a warning light in the mirror attachment point finisher to inform the driver about vehicles approaching from the rear or located in the driver’s blind spot. If the driver begins indicating or if the system detects a lane change, the warning signal illuminates.
