As Porsche already stated last year the 718 is heading for electrification in the near future, enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to enjoy the model’s internal combustion offerings before they ride off into the sunset. And it doesn’t get much better than the Cayman GTS 4.0.
The number attached to the end of the name is quite self-explanatory: the latest motor to be added is a naturally-aspirated, high-revving 4.0-litre flat-six, delivering 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, from directly behind the seats to the rear axle. Borrowing its bigger brother GT4’s twin tailpipe Sport Exhaust System, the engine note produced can only be described as glorious.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, though the example the brand provided us was equipped with the quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Also similar to the GT4, adaptive cylinder control automatically switches off two cylinder banks in low load cruising situations increasing efficiency. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) softens dampening while street driving and all together makes this Cayman a comfortable and capable daily-driver.
When the time comes for more spirited operation, the PASM stiffens up and the Porsche Torque Vectoring, working alongside the mechanical limited-slip differential, applies moderate braking to the inside rear wheel helping the coupe get around tight corners quickly and efficiently. For a high-output rear-wheel drive sports car, the ride is remarkably stable.
Speaking of the brakes, six-piston calipers clamping onto big 350-millimetre front/330-millimetre rear cross-drilled rotors bring all the power to a stop quickly. The former finished in a bright red colour really makes a statement, particularly when paired to one of the brighter paint options such as the recently added Python Green that is guaranteed to turn heads on the road.
In signature GTS style, the vehicle adopts the Sport Design front fascia featuring a blacked out single central air intake, lower lip and substantial rear diffuser. The daytime running lamps and tail lamps are tinted as well. Sitting 20 millimetres lower than the regular Cayman, and when fitted with the satin black 20-inch light-alloy wheels, the side profile is just the right amount of aggressive.
The classically minimalistic, driver-oriented interior is swathed in black Race-Tex synthetic suede material, replacing the outgoing Alcantara, covering pretty much every often-touched surface as well as the headliner. This includes the Sports Seats Plus that are ultra-supportive, however be forewarned the bottom bolsters have no give and will cause pain if accidentally sat onto during ingress.
Installed in all GTS 4.0s is Porsche Communication Management. The infotainment utilizes a 7.0-inch touchscreen display blending the perfect amount of physical and digital control and is intuitive to navigate. Also bundled is the Sport Chrono package adding extras like the dash stopwatch and performance switches on the steering wheel. Pressing the Sport Response button unlocks a temporary 20-second burst of maximum power.
The 718 EV is expected to arrive shortly after the Macan EV, representing the third zero emissions product from Porsche. The company has set a target to electrify 80 per cent of the lineup by 2030.
Highlights:
MSRP: $112,042
Motor: 4.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder
Horsepower: 394 @ 7,000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 317 @ 5,000 rpm
Gearbox: seven-speed automatic
Layout: mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 12.0 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)