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The 982-generation 718 is a car that has been with us for 4 years now, since its introduction in early 2016. While it has proven to be a significantly superior car in the handling department when compared to the then-outgoing 981 generation Boxster and Cayman, it has always been subjected to criticism by the purist fanbase as a result of the flat-4 engines that have been powering the cars during their first few years of sale. I personally did not like the change to the flat-4 engine, as I felt that it took away from the Boxster and Cayman’s character of being able to offer performance that sits just below its big brother, the 911, at a fraction of the price. As it turns out, Porsche’s decision to take away 2 cylinders from the 718’s engine was mainly in part to be able to meet the demands of markets with more strict emissions regulations, such as China and several countries of the European Union. While both the 2.0T and 2.5T engines seen on the base, S, and GTS models have proven to be very fuel efficient and technologically advanced, they somewhat suffered in the torque and power department.

Since going on sale in North America back in 2016, year-by-year sales figures have only dropped in the market. I have gone to dealerships here in Toronto and have noticed that there is normally a stock of 718 models which are highly optioned, and it usually takes a very long time from the moment they arrive to finally find an owner. Sure, there are also examples that have very few options that cost much less, but they too have proven to be a challenge to sell. The 718 has lost the character it once had in its previous generations that buyers are mostly turning towards the flagship 911, which has always been powered by its iconic flat-6 engine, and for the past 4 years has been the only model in the range to be powered by such engine, until very recently Porsche finally listened.

In June 2019, Porsche unveiled the long awaited GT4 and Spyder models of the 718, which brought back the flat-6 engine into the 718 range. At the time, it was believed that these two models were to be the only ones receiving the engine, but just yesterday we were surprised by the unveiling of new versions of the GTS model, the 718 GTS 4.0, available in both Boxster and Cayman forms. Both cars are powered by a detuned version of the 4.0L flat-6 found in the GT4 and Spyder, which itself is derived from the engine found in its big brother the 992. While the power figures are yet to be released, it is expected that they will be less than the 420hp that the GT4 and Spyder produce.

It also looks like Porsche is now taking a more purist approach with the 718 range now, as the only option for a transmission is a 6-speed manual, likely the same unit seen in the other variants. A lot of equipment comes as standard as well, which is meant to aid with handling, which includes Porsche Active Suspension Management(PASM), Porsche Stability Management(PSM), Sport Chrono Package with Track Precision App, Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts(PADM), and Porsche Torque Vectoring(PTV). From the aforementioned options, it looks like this will be a very well-equipped car even before options.

To give my honest opinion, I am very happy that Porsche have listened and finally “fixed” the 718 cars. I have always liked the styling of both the exterior and interior, which are clearly an evolution of the 981, and have believed that with a flat-6 engine equipped rather than the flat-4, the car would essentially be perfect, and would possess all of the characteristics a purist’s car should have. I will admit, I was slightly surprised to see that the PDK transmission will not be offered, as it was an option for the outgoing 2.5T version of the GTS. Being a purist myself(I like my manuals), this is no issue. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the base model and the S, as they still show in Porsche’s configurator online. Should they get the flat-6 engine as well, then there is a chance that we will see those models equipped with the PDK gearbox.

In all, following the positive reception of the 718 GT4 and Spyder models this past summer, the GTS 4.0 is another step in the right direction for the 718 range of cars. It may have taken 3-4 years but it is finally being done. Bravo Porsche.

The new models are set to go on sale in the early spring in Europe, with a possible release date for North America being the late summer or early fall. Pricing on both models is yet to be announced.

Best Regards,
Juan Reyes-Abreu

Credit goes to:
Porsche AG for the information about the 718 range and the pictures of the new models.