Porsche has chosen Beijing as the location for the release of the newest additions to its GTS stable. By premiering the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS at this year’s Auto China motor show, the automaker has made clear its intention to capitalize on the upward trend of Chinese sales of high-end sports vehicles. But that’s enough about sales strategies let’s look at the cars.
The Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS join the Cayenne and Panamera GTS models at the top of the Porsche range. The beefed-up roadster and coupe models are now equipped with a 3.4-liter flat-six boxer engine tuned to deliver an additional 15 bhp and 10 Nm of torque compared to the S series. This results in 325 bhp and 370 Nm of torque in the Boxster GTS, and 335 bhp with 380 Nm of torque for the Cayman GTS.
The Boxster GTS will reach a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h), getting from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds with help from the launch control featured in the optional seven-speed PDK double-clutch auto gearbox. Meanwhile, the Cayman GTS gets off the mark slightly quicker, reaching 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and topping out at 177 mph (285 km/h). Porsche is claiming fuel economy of 34.4 mpg (6.84 L/100km) with the PDK gearbox and 31.4 mpg (7.49 L/100km) for the six-speed manual.
Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package and Active Suspension Management have been fitted as standard on both models, a highlight here being dynamic engine mounts that automatically stiffen to reduce the effects of shifting weight. This technology improves handling by preventing body roll when accelerating, cornering and braking. Meanwhile, the driver is able to fine tune damper stiffness and throttle response via the Active Suspension Management system.
Inside and out, a number of tweaks have been made to distinguish the new models from their siblings. This includes high contrast insets on the front spoiler, which is set with bi-xenon headlights, and black badges at the rear.
As a further display of Porsche’s commitment to growing Asian interest, the automaker has also given the 919 Hybrid and the 911 RSR, alongside a 918 Spyder Hybrid, their Chinese market debut. China is quoted as the company's second largest market after the U.S.
Both the Boxster GTS and the Cayman GTS will be available this (Northern) summer in the US, where the former will be priced from US$73,500 and the latter from $75,200.
Source: Porsche
