Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 (2021 – Present)

(2021 – Present) Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – Ultimate Guide

In 2020, Porsche answered our prayers and gave us the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. Porsche already had a 718 Cayman GTS with a potent 2.5 liter turbo four cylinder. The new 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 featured the 4.0-litre flat-6 from the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, albeit slightly detuned to 294 kW (394 hp; 400 PS). The GTS 4.0 models can accelerate to 97 km/h (60 mph) from a standstill in 4.3 seconds. By late 2020, PDK gearbox is available as an option for 718 GTS 4.0. The acceleration time of 0-60 has been reduced to 3.9 seconds.

Porsche’s GTS models are great because they come standard with all the performance options you really want. That starts with the adaptive PASM Sport dampers (for Porsche Active Suspension Management), which are more stiffly sprung and position the car 20 millimeters lower to the ground. The GTS gets Porsche’s torque-vectoring, mechanically locking differential, for better power distribution between the rear wheels. Larger brakes sit behind standard 20-inch wheels, and the GTS’ sport exhaust is the same one you’ll find on the GT4.

Other GTS goodies include tinted front and rear lights, black exterior accents and the Sport Design exterior package, all of which are pretty subtle tweaks. For $3,690, you can grab the GTS Interior Package, with either carmine red or chalk contrast stitching, as well as a matching tachometer and seat belts. Beyond that, this pack includes GTS logos on the headrests, different floor mats and carbon fiber trim.

Porsche listened to what the people wanted. The smaller, more efficient, four-cylinder engines were more than powerful enough, but they weren’t as fun and engaging. The 4.0 liter is an absolutely cracking engine. It delivers power of 395 bhp @ 7800 rpm and torque of 310 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm. That is marginally less potent than the 718 Cayman GT4. The GT4 makes that power at a higher rpm, too, peaking at 7,600 rpm versus the GTS 4.0’s 7,000 rpm. The GTS 4.0 redlines at 7,800 rpm while the Cayman GT4 does so at 8,000 rpm. With the six-speed manual, the GT4 has a broader torque band, making peak torque between 5,000 – to 6,800 rpm.

When it comes to acceleration, Porsche claims that with the Sport Chrono package, the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 can hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with the manual or 3.8 seconds with the PDK. The Cayman GT4 is good for a 4.2-second 0 to 60 mph run with the manual or 3.7 seconds with the PDK. You also get a higher top speed with the GT4 at 189- and 188 mph for the manual and PDK respectively. The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, on the other hand, has a lower top speed of 182 mph with the stick or 179 mph with the PDK.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the 718 Cayman GT4 is 0.2 inches lower at 50.0 inches and 1.9 inches longer at 175.4 inches. The GT4 is also 42 pounds heavier than the GTS 4.0 regardless of the transmission you pick and its wheelbase is also 0.4 inches longer. The Cayman GT4’s aerodynamics are also different, focusing more on all-out performance on the track rather than the GTS 4.0’s more street-friendly focus. As a result, the GT4 gets different bodywork with larger air intakes for better cooling, a front lip spoiler, side air intakes with side blades, a unique rear diffuser, and under panels with two extra ducts for the exhaust system.

The 718 Cayman GT4’s rear wheels are also 0.5 inches wider than the GTS 4.0 and come shod in 245/35ZR20 front and 295/30/ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tires. In comparison, the Cayman GTS 4.0 uses 235/34R20 front and 265/35R20 rear rubber on 20-inch alloy wheels. Porsche equips the GTS 4.0 models with either Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or Pirelli P Zero tires.

The suspension in the 718 Cayman GT4 is also significantly different. As one of the vehicles developed under Porsche Motorsport, the same team responsible for the 911 GT models and the 718 Spyder, it gets a more sophisticated setup with spring-struts and partial ball joints. You can also adjust the toe, camber, and anti-roll bars, something you can’t do on the GTS 4.0. The Cayman GT4 also gets dynamic gearbox mounts and helper springs on the rear axle. Both get Porsche’s active suspension but the GT4’s configuration has been lowered by 30 mm, an extra 10 mm over the GTS 4.0, and has variable dampers with a sportier state of tune. The brakes on the Cayman GT4 are also larger at 380 mm all around versus the GTS 4.0’s 350-mm front and 330-mm rear setup. A unique feature of the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder is the ability to turn the electronic stability control (ESC) completely off while keeping traction control active, which you can’t do on the GTS 4.0.

In short, the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is more street-focused. The 718 Cayman GT4, on the other hand, is more track-oriented. Between the marvelous chassis, fantastic transmission, relentless grip, and screaming engine, the 718 GTS 4.0 is my pick. It is also a better daily driver and more enjoyable more of the time. This is the perfect Porsche.

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Press Release

Porsche is adding two distinctly sporty and high specification models to its mid-engine sports car range: the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. The new two-seaters are powered by a 294 kW (400 PS) four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, similar to that used in the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4. When combined with the manual six-speed transmission and sports exhaust system, this results in exceptional power delivery and a particularly rewarding driving experience. It achieves the sprint to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 293 km/h. Thanks to standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension, as well as a 20 millimetre lower ride height and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited slip rear differential, the new generation of GTS achieves a remarkable balancing act between dynamic handling and everyday comfort. The standard Sport Chrono package with upgraded Porsche Track Precision App also emphasises the athletic character of the mid-engine sports cars. Black contrasting design elements and a dark Alcantara® interior create highlights typical of GTS models.

The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 will be available in Germany, including country-specific equipment and 19 per cent VAT, at a price of €81,926 while the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 will be priced at €83,949. Both models will be available at German dealerships from the end of March 2020.

As with the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4, the powerful four-litre engine is characterised by exceptional efficiency. Adaptive cylinder control that alternately switches off one of the two cylinder banks at low loads, direct fuel injection with piezo injectors and a variable intake system also contribute to the car’s efficiency. The GTS engine also impresses with its superior power reserves and immediate response characteristics. It effortlessly revs to 7,800 rpm and, thanks to the standard sports exhaust system with dynamic damper control, also enjoys the acoustic advantages of the rich six-cylinder boxer engine sound. The 718 GTS 4.0 models adopt the twin tailpipe sports exhaust system with integrated gasoline particulate filter from the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4. With its saddle-type design, this creates space for the contrasting black rear lower section that was specially developed for the GTS models.

With exceptionally precise handling, agile steering and responsive cornering, the chassis also promises an exciting driving experience. It combines dynamic handling with suspension comfort that is suitable for everyday use. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is part of its standard equipment. This goes hand in hand with a chassis that has been lowered by 20 millimetres in standard form. Optionally, the PASM sports suspension lowers the body by just 10 millimetres. Other standard equipment includes performance-orientated components such as Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with separately selectable PSM Sport mode, the Sport Chrono package including the upgraded Porsche Track Precision App, Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited slip rear differential.

The mid-engine sports cars are fitted with 20-inch light-alloy wheels in Satin-Gloss Black. High-performance tyres (235/35 ZR 20 at the front and 265/35 ZR 20 at the rear) surround the enhanced brake system, which features cross-drilled discs and red callipers. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an option.

Dark, contrasting details reflect the particularly sporty status of the GTS cars, which applies to the spoiler lip, the all-black air intake of the Sport Design front apron, the front fog light lenses, the rear light lenses and the redesigned lower rear bumper.

In the interior, dark Alcantara® creates a sporty, elegant ambience. This is used for the centre panels of the standard Sport Seats Plus, as well as the steering wheel rim, centre console, gear lever and armrests on both doors. In the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, it also covers the A-pillars and the roof lining. The optional GTS interior package adds another colour: the choice here is between Carmine Red or Crayon. This accentuates the rev counter, seat belts, all decorative seams including the embroidered GTS emblem in the headrests and the Porsche lettering on the floor mats with black borders. The trim elements as well as the centre console trim are made of carbon.

The 718 GTS 4.0 models come as standard with Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen and the Sport Chrono package, including the enhanced Track Precision App. This smartphone app, which originates from motorsport, shows performance-related data on the PCM display while in race track use and records it for later analysis. The online navigation module with real-time traffic information, voice control and Porsche Connect are available as options, as are a BOSE® Surround Sound System and Burmester High-End Surround Sound System.