Many were skeptical when Porsche announced it was switching to a turbo-four for the 718 Cayman and Boxster, but the new engine has proven to be a worthy replacement for the old naturally aspirated flat-six. Now, Porsche is doubling down on its four-cylinder by upping the power and placing it in the hotter GTS models.

The 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS will feature a version of the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four that produces 365 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque (with the PDK dual-clutch transmission; manual models make 309 lb-ft). Power is up 25 hp from the previous GTS that packed a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter flat-six, and up 15 hp from the turbo-four in the 718 S. The extra power is achieved through a new intake plenum and an optimized turbocharger, Porsche says. Peak torque is available from 1,900-5,000 rpm with the PDK, and 1,900-5,500 rpm with the manual.

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Just like the standard 718, the GTS will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available as an option. The GTS also gets such extras as the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Torque Vectoring, and Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard. The latter feature lowers ride height by 10 mm (0.39 inch) versus the suspension on a regular 718. All of these upgrades are good for a Porsche-estimated 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds with the PDK and a top speed of 180 mph. To put that into perspective, a 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S is estimated to hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and a 2015 Porsche Cayman GTS we tested took 4.4 seconds to reach that same speed.

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GTS models will also get a new Sport Design front fascia that includes restyled intake openings, tinted front turn signals and taillights, black badges, a blacked out lower rear fascia, matte-black 20-inch wheels, and black tips on the standard Sport Exhaust System. Inside, the standard Sport Seats Plus buckets receive Alcantara-upholstered center sections and GTS embroidery on the headrests. Alcantara is also used on the steering wheel, center armrest, and door panels. A Porsche Track Precision App that can record track data on your smartphone is included when you select the optional navigation system with Connect Plus Package.

The 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS will start at $80,850 including destination, while the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS will start at $82,950 when the models arrive in U.S. dealerships next March.

Source: Porsche

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