Porsche Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS come out to play

Inching closer to the 911 every day, it seems that Porsche is catching BMW’s disease of creating models that compete with each other. Now separated by roughly $10,000, the 911 coupe and cabrio and the top-of-the range Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS, respectively are, at least on paper, creating some very quick inter family conflict.

If the photos above are any indication, the cars presented will be a sharper looking than the 911, which at this point in its life looks more pretentious than purposeful. Porsche continues this thread of purpose with something that goes without saying in their press release “The Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS are built specifically for maximum driving pleasure.” Both cars get a 15 bhp bump on the Boxster S and Cayman S; bringing the total from the 3.4 liter mid mounted flat six to 33o bhp and 340 bhp, respectively. Porsche’s fixed head Cayman GTS starts at $75,200 and the drophead Boxster GTS starts at $73,500, and both prices exclude a $995 destination fee. Both cars are also a far cry from many 911s that came before: 0-60 for the Boxster and Cayman GTS happens in 4.4 and 4.3 seconds and the top speed is a noticeable 174 and 177 mph, respectively. Start lining up this summer for the 911’s biggest competition yet. Feel free to check out the press release after the jump.

-By: Sawyer Sutton

Atlanta. For the first time, the Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman will be offered as GTS models. As is typical for Porsche, these models feature more powerful engines and additional standard performance equipment. The new Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS models are visually defined by more than just a badge: they offer as standard equipment unique front and rear fascias, blacked out Bi-XenonTM headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), 20-inch Carrera S wheels and a sport exhaust system with black tailpipes as standard. The Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS are built specifically for maximum driving pleasure.

The 3.4-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine of the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS models delivers an additional 15 hp compared to their “S” model counterparts. This means that the Boxster GTS has 330 hp and the Cayman GTS has 340 hp. Torque has been increased by 7 lb.-ft. in each model: 273 lb.-ft. in the Boxster GTS and 280 lb.-ft. in the Cayman GTS. The Sport Chrono package is now a standard feature with either the 6-speed manual or the optional 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission. This means with the optional PDK transmission and Sport Plus button activated, the Boxster GTS reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds and 4.3 seconds in the Cayman GTS. Top track speed for the Boxster GTS is 174 mph with a manual transmission and 177 mph for a Cayman GTS equipped with a manual transmission.

The Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS feature Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard, which offers the choice of sportier or more comfortable ride settings at the press of a button. The 235/35 front and 265/35 rear tires on 20-inch Carrera S wheels provide the perfect setup for a balanced driving experience. Like other Porsche GTS models, the interior of the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS feature an Alcantara® wrapped steering wheel, headliner, center console, and inserts on the standard Sport Seats Plus. Additional visual elements include GTS nomenclature embroidered into the headrests and printed on the tachometer face.

A specific standard of performance and uniqueness is required to wear the GTS badge. For example, the legendary 1963 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS was dominant on the racetrack and a spectacle on the street. The 1980s and 1990s saw the 924 GTS and 928 GTS refine this characteristic. In 2007 the GTS emblem was reintroduced on the Cayenne GTS and later implemented in the 911 and Panamera model lines.

The Boxster GTS is priced from $73,500 and the Cayman GTS is priced from $75,200, excluding destination charges of $995. Both models will be available for delivery this summer.

Sawyer Sutton

Sawyer Sutton is a long-time Vermonter and lover of cars, big machinery, and photography. These are his words on cars as Senior Editor of egmCarTech.

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