Porsche 718 GTS 4.0
The Porsche 718 is regarded as the introduction to Porsche cars, the ultimate all-rounder sports car there’s something for everyone. They’re the most affordable entry-point to the Porsche world, offering value for money and ticking all the boxes that you want from owning a Porsche:
- two-seats/two doors
- rear-wheel-drive sports car
- powerful but not manic to handle
- good looks
- it’s a Porsche, dah-ling
New or leisure drivers can go for the standard Boxer (that’s the convertible) or the Cayman (fixed roof), those who want more can opt for the S models, then there’s the sportier GTS model and the dynamic Spyder option.
Powered by the same 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine used in the 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4 we doubt there are going to be any complaints from customers. Purists lamented the downsized four-cylinder when the latest iteration of the 718 was launched, the previous naturally aspirated flat-six hit the sweet spot for driving enthusiasts and it’s back!
What’s different from the 718 GTS?
The engine is different, very different. The standard 718 GTS is powered by the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 269 kW and 430 Nm, which is plenty good as it stands.
“Yes, Christmas for 2020 has arrived 11.5 months early”
The same 4.0-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine used in the 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder powers the GTS 4.0, we highly doubt there are going to be any complaints from future customers. Producing 294 kW (25 kW more than the GTS) AND it’s paired to a six-speed manual transmission. Yes, Christmas for 2020 has arrived 11.5 months early. Did we mention the sports exhaust system? It’s Christmas all right.
Claimed performance figures from Porsche indicate a 0-100 sprint time of 4,5 seconds, which is smidgen slower than the S and GTS versions, we’re assuming that’s due to the manual gear change over the PDK auto boxes in the other models. Top speed, 293 km. Also, not as fast as other 718 models, though we’re sure that’s a strategic move to not cannibalise the sales of the aforementioned 718 models.
It’s all in the details
The usual GTS touches resonate for the GTS 4.0, the darkened, smokey bits and bobs; detailing on the air intake at the front, front fog-light lenses, rear-light lenses, spoiler lip, and redesigned lower-rear bumper. Wheels are 20-inch light alloys running 235 at the front and 265 at the rear.
The interior is swaddled in dark Alcantara; seats, door panels, A-pillars, roof and steering wheel, the centre console getting the carbon-fibre detailing. An optional extra is the GTS interior package which gets you details and finishes and either Carmine Red or Chalk.
The driving technology
Essential technology to make driving fun on the GTS 4.0 include the dropped ride-height by 20mm, Porsche Active Suspension Management System (PASM) which is the sport suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical limited rear-slip differential to keep it on the tarmac and as Porsche claims “achieve a remarkable balancing act between dynamic handling and everyday comfort”. On the everyday comfort ideology, there’s the adaptive-cylinder control that shuts down cylinders when not needed to aid fuel efficiency.
Order, please
First 718 GTS 4.0’s are to begin arriving in May 2020, we have no doubt the order books are full with a waiting list out the door. The GTS 4.0 heralds a return of the beloved six-cylinder engine with a manual gearbox complimented by the smokey styling details of the GTS. Yes, PLEASE!
-ENDS-
images: Porsche