Rejoice, the six‑cylinder Cayman and Boxster are back with the new GTS!

With a naturally-aspirated, 4.0-litre flat-six and six-speed manual ‘box the new GTS models are set to redefine purist Porsche appeal in the firm’s entry-level sportscar range. They replace the previous turbocharged four-cylinder GTS versions, going on sale today priced from £64,088 – or £2k more for the Boxster – with first deliveries promised for March.

The sporting newcomers have as much  in common with the Porsche Motorsport developed and limited production Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder as they do the previous GTS duo or the other four-pot powered models in the 718 range.

Both new coupe and cabrio inherit the GT4’s 4.0-litre flat six and at 400PS (395bhp) boast almost as much power, as well as a rev limit almost as high: 7,800rpm.  They should also sound as good, thanks to the standard sports exhaust from the GT4 to give full voice to the  flat-six music. 

They take their place in the 718 range as the best performing models, although with 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 182mph they are only marginally up on the old GTS (0-62mph in 4.6 seconds). Another way of looking at that is that they are only marginally behind the GT4 (0-62mph in 4.4 seconds)…

Performance differences of mere tenths of seconds are surely not what the new Cayman and Boxster are most about. As Porsche says, “emotive power delivery and a focused driving experience” in an everyday road car are to the fore here.

Out-and-out track cars like the GT4 the newcomers are not, though they surely will not be out of their depth on a circuit. Both versions get Porsche’s active (PASM) sports suspension and a 20mm lower ride height. There’s torque vectoring with a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, the Sport Chrono package with active drivetrain mounts and  an upgraded track app.

You’ll be able to tell the 4.0 GTS models by their new twin-pipe sports exhaust, black 20-inch alloys, red brake calipers and dark treatment for spoiler, air intake and light lenses. Inside, black Alcantara is the material of choice and you can find it on the seat panels, steering wheel rim, centre console, gear lever and, in the tin-top, the roof lining as well. Trim personalisation is possible with the GTS package.

A new high point among Porsche sports cars? Sometimes two seats, three pedals and six cylinders are all that anyone needs…