Porsche is expanding its mid-engine range with the addition of the new 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS. Horsepower is up to 365 which is 15 hp more than the 718 Boxster S and 718 Cayman S and 35 hp more than the prior generation naturally aspirated 6 cylinder GTS. The increased power is thanks to a newly developed intake duct and an optimised turbocharger for the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder boxer engine. Maximum torque of 317 lb-ft is available from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm.

The 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS’s are available with a six-speed manual or optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. As is common practice for Porsche, the GTS models come well equipped with equipment that is typically optional on lesser models. Standard options include the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear differential lock and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which lowers the body by ten millimetres.

When equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox and Sport Chrono Package, the GTS can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.1 seconds and have a top speeds of 290 km/h (180 mph).

Visual differences for the GTS models include a new front apron Sport Design which adds to the cars aggressiveness. As is typical for GTS models, the front light modules and the Bi-Xenon headlights are black-tinted. The tinted tail lights, black logos, black rear apron and centrally positioned black tailpipes of the standard sports exhaust system, give the GTS its unique appearance. Black GTS logos at the base of the doors and 20-inch satin finish black painted wheels complete the side view.

On the GTS interior, the Sport Chrono Package stopwatch is integrated into the dashboard. Both the driver and front passenger can enjoy the sports seats which feature Alcantara centres similar to the other Porsche GTS models. The sports seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests can be electronically adjusted in two ways and provide increased lateral support and comfort. The interior features extensive use of Alcantara on many of the surfaces including the steering wheel trim and centre console and armrests. The Porsche Track Precision App (PTPA) enables the driver to automatically record, display and analyse driving data on their smartphone.

The 718 GTS models will be arriving in dealerships in December 2017. The 718 Cayman GTS starts at $90,600 and the 718 Boxster GTS starts at $93,000 Canadian.