2015 Porsche Cayman/Boxster to Feature GTS Trim and 4-Cylinder Engine

Boxster GTS _1_-1

The Porsche Boxster/Cayman nameplate has always been synonymous with visceral performance and intense driving pleasure. Its mid-mounted, 911-derived flat-six delivers instant grunt with a wonderful howl to follow, and its 7-speed PDK works almost telepathically, applying shifts at the perfect time even in automatic mode. In the current 981 iteration, an “S” trim in both the Cayman and Boxster and a bare-bones Cayman R have hit the streets, but no package has ever maximized performance without compromising passenger comfort (the Cayman R had optional HVAC). Achieving this balance is exactly what Porsche hopes for with the newest “GTS” Cayman/Boxster trim.

Bearing the GTS badge comes with expectations–the current Panamera GTS is beloved by driving enthusiasts, while many consider the 997 GTS 911 one of the most beautifully balanced modern Porsches. To answer this call, Porsche tuned the Cayman/Boxster S’s 3.4-liter flat-six to 330 horsepower in the Boxster GTS and to 340 horsepower in the Cayman GTS. Both Porsche’s amazing 6-speed manual and 7-speed PDK are available, and Porsche’s Sport Chrono package comes standard,  offering the sports adjustable exhaust among other features. In Sport Plus mode, the Boxster GTS makes the 0-60 sprint in 4.4 seconds on the way to a 173 mph top speed, while the Cayman GTS makes the run in 4.3 seconds up to 177 mph.

Cayman GTS _4_In addition to the significant performance upgrades, the GTS trim brings with it a host of cosmetic upgrades. Blacked-out bi-xenon headlamps and 20″ Carrera S wheels come standard along with blacked-out sports exhaust tips. The interior also sees a number of GTS-specific features–an Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and seat inserts come on GTS models, while stitched “GTS” inserts appear on the headrests and on the tachometer.

To further the Porsche Cayman/Boxster GTS sport transformation, the newest trim comes standard with Porsche’s Active Stability Management (PASM) system. The highly advanced system allows for complete customizability of the ride settings from comfort to sport plus, reinforcing the Boxster/Cayman’s versatility as an everyday driver and a enthusiast track machine.

GTS Interior _1_

New reports have surfaced pointing to a 4-cylinder engine for Cayman/Boxster in the next few years. Porsche CEO Matthias Müller confirmed that a new boxer engine is in the works for the mid-engined sports car in an effort to, “not separate ourselves from effort to reduced CO2.” Power output for this new 4-cylinder is slated to be a healthy 395 horsepower, which would make it one of the most powerful 4-bangers on the market. Porsche hasn’t made any official announcements about the new engine, but stay tuned on TFLcar.com for more updates.

Expect the Boxster GTS to start at $73,500 and the Cayman GTS to start at $75,200 when they hit the market this summer.

Check out our video review of the 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS…

frank kosarekFrank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, he was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise is in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.