Beijing 2014: Porsche launches new Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS

Porsche chairman Matthias Muller introduces the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS. The new cars pack more performance and subtle styling cues to differentiate them from the standard sports cars.

The new Porsche Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS were unveiled at Auto Beijing. With more powerful engines, the new iterations of Porsche’s mid-engined sports cars represent the most powerful versions of these nameplates. The initials, marked on the new cars in gloss black badges, stand for Gran Turismo Sport, used by Porsche only for outstanding performance versions. The name was first used by the 1963 904 Carrera GTS, essentially a road-legal race car. The Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS are thus suited to everyday driving as well as track use.

The 3.4-liter mid-mounted flat-six has been retuned to produce 15 more horsepower. The Boxster GTS now generates 330hp, while the Cayman GTS has 340hp available. The engines are naturally-aspirated for quick response, and rev to 7800 rpm. With the optional PDK double-clutch transmission, the Boxster GTS goes from 0 to 100kph in 4.7 seconds, with the Cayman GTS clocking in at 4.6 seconds. Top speed for the Boxster GTS manual is 280 kph, and 285 for the Cayman GTS manual.

Porsche’s Sport Chrono package comes as standard on the two new cars, allowing the cars to be driven on the track while still providing decent comfort on normal roads thanks to dynamic transmission mounts. The exhaust system also gives a balance between a respectable level that won’t wake the neighbors and a proper sporty exhaust sound. The system changes character using the Sport Plus button on the center console. Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard, allowing the choice of sportier or more comfortable ride settings. The adaptive damping lowers the suspension by 10mm to improve stability and handling. An optional torque vectoring system uses the rear differential lock with brake activation to enhance handling.

The GTS cars can be identified with black-chrome dual tailpipes, 20-inch Carrera S wheels, revised front and rear fascias, smoked bi-xenon headlights with dynamic lighting system, and of course the black badges. Inside, the cars are equipped with sports seats and leather interior with Alcantara steering wheel, headliner and center console. GTS trim is embroidered on the headrests and printed on the tachometer.

US prices for the pair are $73,500 for the Boxster GTS, and $75,200 for the Cayman GTS.