Only a couple of weeks after Porsche announced Canadian pricing, features and specifications for their new lightweight 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T performance trims, plus all the details for the two…

New 394 hp 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0 on their way for 2021

2021 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0
The new 2021 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 boasts 394 hp from a big horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. (Photo: Porsche)

Only a couple of weeks after Porsche announced Canadian pricing, features and specifications for their new lightweight 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T performance trims, plus all the details for the two 718 models’ new 2020 base, S, GT4 and Spyder variants, news of a fresh new take on the 718 GTS is upon us. 

Up until the current 2020 model year, fourth-generation Cayman and Boxster models were only available with turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants, but thanks to the new GT4 and Spyder a formidable 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine was added to the mix. Now, hot on the heels of those two top-tier 718 models, Porsche is announcing the refreshed 2021 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS with horizontally opposed six-cylinder power as well.

2021 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
A 20-mm lower, performance-tuned suspension makes the new 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 handle better than ever. (Photo: Porsche)

Previous 718 GTS models, available from the 2018 model year up until the end of 2019, already made a generous 365 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, but power came from a 2.5-litre turbocharged H-4. While impressive in its own right, thanks to 500 cubic centimetres of extra displacement, plus 65 more horsepower and 37 additional lb-ft of torque than the 718’s base, S and T trims’ 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the outgoing 2.5 is nowhere near as formidable as the new GTS trim’s naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six.

Those familiar with the just-noted GT4 and Spyder will already be well versed in Porsche’s new H-6, which sports 414 horsepower in these two top-tier models, and while shy some 20 horsepower in the new GTS, the revised 394 horsepower H-6 nevertheless makes an identical 309 pound-feet of torque.

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Both 718 GTS 4.0 models include the same performance and feature sets. (Photo: Porsche)

That’s superb performance from a trim line soon to be positioned between the two $74,400 718 Cayman T and $76,800 718 Boxster T models, and the $110,500 718 Spyder and $113,800 GT4. The new engine, which revs up to 7,800 rpm, produces Porsche’s much-loved six-cylinder growl and therefore will appeal to Porschephiles across the board, while its mechanical delights are improved upon further by a standard dual-tailpipe sports exhaust system.

Also notable, Porsche makes the engine more efficient via an adaptive cylinder control (cylinder deactivation) system that alternately switches off one of its two cylinder banks under low loads, plus its direct-injection system incorporates piezo injectors and a variable intake system to further reduce fuel consumption while enhancing performance.

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Porsche clothes the GTS interior with plenty of suede-like Alcantara surfaces. (Photo: Porsche)

Just like the sport-tuned 718 T models that arrived earlier this month, new 718 GTS trim adds a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), and the brand’s much-lauded Sport Chrono Package featuring an upgraded Porsche Track Precision App with an integrated lap timer to its standard equipment list.

The Sport Chrono Package incorporates a “push-to-pass” style Sport Response button in the centre of the steering wheel-mounted driving mode switch, plus Launch Control with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated PDK transmission.

The new 2021 718 GTS models launch from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 4.5 seconds when utilizing their base six-speed manual transmission, slicing 0.1 seconds off of the old 718 GTS’ sprint time, while they’re only 0.1 seconds slower to 100 km/h than the ultra-hot 718 GT4 and Spyder.

2021 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
While more performance-oriented than most others in the 718 lineup, the new GTS is still ultra-luxurious. (Photo: Porsche)

Additionally, both 718 GTS models improve their top track speeds by 3 km/h (1.8 mph) to 293 km/h (182 mph)—the GT4 and Spyder achieve 304 and 301 km/h (189 and 187 mph) respectively. Porsche has yet to announce performance figures for the new 718 GTS models with their optional PDK transmission, but it shaves 0.2 seconds off the GT4 and Spyder’s zero to 100km/h time, so we can likely expect a similar result for the GTS.

Along with the new 718 GTS models’ improvement in straight-line acceleration, a host of standard features also make for better handling, such as Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) that integrate dynamic hard and soft transmission mounts to reduce vibration and improve performance, while unique Satin-Gloss Black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in staggered-width 235/35 front and 265/35 rear performance rubber keep the two new cars locked to the pavement below.

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
The 718 GTS’ Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel rim frames a red-faced tachometer dial as part of the optional GTS interior package. (Photo: Porsche)

The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping system is standard too, and instantly adjusts for road surface conditions and driving style changes, depending on the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual driving mode chosen.

What’s more, both 718 GTS models ride 20 millimetres lower than regular Cayman and Boxster models, reducing their centres of gravity and therefore improving control. Bigger cast-iron brakes, measuring 350 mm (13.8 inches) up front and 33 mm (13.0 in) in back make for shorter stopping distances too, while composite ceramic brakes are once again available.

So that everyone can differentiate the new models from their lesser siblings, dark grey “GTS 4.0” script can be found on each outer door skin, while just like with other GTS models, more gloss- and matte-black trim bits get added to the exterior, these including the front lip spoiler, the lower front fascia’s all-black Sport Design air intake, darker front fog lights, darkened tail lamps, and a unique lower rear bumper cap, not to mention the aforementioned sports exhaust system’s twin tailpipes finished in black chrome, and those inky black wheels noted earlier as well.

2021 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
Until you can drive a new 718 GTS for yourself, check out the photo gallery above and videos below. (Photo: Porsche)

A GT sport steering wheel gets added to the new 718 GTS models’ interior, as does a scripted “GTS” logo to the classic three-dial primary gauge cluster’s centre-mounted tachometer, while carbon-fibre trim embellishes the instrument panel and centre console, and dark Alcantara covers the steering wheel rim, centre console, gear shift knob and skirt, the door inserts and armrests, plus the centre sections of the standard sport seats, while the A pillars and roof liner also receive this rich suede-like surface treatment in the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 hardtop model.

Optional, a GTS interior package provides either contrasting Carmine Red or Crayon chalk grey/beige for the tachometer face, seatbelts, floor mat borders, and decorative seams throughout the cabin, including the embroidered “GTS” emblems on the headrests.

As usual, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system comes standard, set within a 7.0-inch high-resolution touchscreen display featuring the comprehensive list of infotainment functions found in lesser trims, plus connectivity to the aforementioned Track Precision App. This motorsport-originated application is downloadable to your iPhone or Android device, and shows performance-related data on the car’s centre display for use on the racetrack, while simultaneously recording that data to your smartphone for post-race analysis.

Other PCM features include a navigation system with real-time traffic info, plus available voice control as well as Porsche Connect. What’s more, audiophiles will be glad to hear that an optional Bose surround sound audio system can be upgraded further to an even higher end Burmester surround sound system.

The new 2021 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 will be available to order from your local Porsche retailer this summer, with deliveries arriving later in the year.

So while you’re waiting, make sure to check out our complete photo gallery above, plus the two available videos below:

 

The all new 718 GTS 4.0. More of what you love. (1:52):

 

Porsche GTS. More of what you love. (1:30):

 

The Canadian Black Book (CBB) gave two of Porsche’s models top ratings in their respective categories for retained value, helping to the German marque earn best overall luxury brand honours in the…

Porsche once again proven best luxury brand for retained value

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid
Porsche is once again top of the luxury heap for retained value, with the Panamera four-door coupe noted for winning its category. (Photo: Porsche)

The Canadian Black Book (CBB) gave two of Porsche’s models top ratings in their respective categories for retained value, helping to the German marque earn best overall luxury brand honours in the third-party rating firm’s 2018 Best Retained Value Awards. 

CBB once again awarded the Panamera four-door coupe with its most coveted prize in the “Premium Luxury Car” category, resulting in its fifth consecutive title, and did likewise for the Cayenne sport utility in the “Midsize Luxury SUV”, which has won the award three years in a row. 

2018 Porsche Cayenne GTS
The Cayenne mid-size SUV also won its segment, helping to push the entire Porsche brand to 66-percent retained value after four years of ownership. (Photo: Porsche)

“We are delighted to accept the Overall Brand – Luxury and the two model awards from Canadian Black Book,” said Marc Ouayoun, President and CEO, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. “These acknowledgments by the leading authority reinforce the value retention of our product line which ultimately benefit our customers.” 

Possibly more important than singling out specific models, the overall brand award is recognition for best average retained value throughout Porsche’s entire lineup, with Porsche entire product portfolio retaining 66 percent of its value over four years. 

2018 Porsche 718 Boxster S
The 718 Boxster S won its category last year, but fell one place short for 2018. (Photo: Porsche)

This means if you purchase a Porsche 718 Cayman, 718 Boxster, one of the many 911 models, or a Macan SUV, plus of course the Panamera and Cayenne that won their categories, you’ll have a better chance of holding onto more of its value over four years than a given competitor, unless that challenger won its segment in this year’s Best Retained Value Awards. 

To clarify, the 718 Boxster two-seat convertible took home CBB’s “Premium Sports Car” category last year, but this year the honours went to the Chevrolet Corvette, with the Boxster coming in second and the Porsche Cayman rounding out the top three spots, an impressive showing for Porsche just the same. 

2018 Porsche Cayman S
The 718 Cayman took home third-place in its segment. (Photo: Porsche)

On that note, other premium nameplate winners included the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class for best “Entry Luxury Car” (a category Porsche doesn’t compete in), the Lexus GS Series for best “Luxury Car” (ditto), the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (now replaced by the GLC-Class) for best “Compact Luxury Crossover/SUV”, with the Macan not even showing up in the top-three that’s otherwise filled out by the new Audi Q5 in second and Range Rover Evoque in third, and finally the Mercedes-Benz G-Class for CBB’s “Full-size Luxury Crossover/SUV” category (that also has no Porsche competitor). 

2018 Porsche Macan GTS
The Macan is well liked by owners and the media, but it nevertheless didn’t receive a top-three rating with CBB. (Photo: Porsche)

Of note, the Panamera had to overcome strong challengers in order to win the “Premium Luxury Car” category, including the second-place Mercedes-Benz S-Class and third-place Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, while the Cayenne muscled out the Lexus GX 460 and Lexus RX 350 to take home this year’s title. 

“If you are the owner of one of these award winners and hold a loan or in some cases even a lease for the vehicle, you could be in a better position when it comes time to get into a new vehicle,” says Brian Murphy, VP Research and Editorial, at Canadian Black Book. “High depreciation, the single most expensive cost of owning a vehicle, can be a back breaker, especially if you are in a long-term loan, holding many consumers in negative equity where their vehicle is worth less than the outstanding amount due on the loan for almost the entire term of the loan” 

2018 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet GTS
The 911 has always held its value well, but it doesn’t rate as highly as Porsche’s two 718 models. (Photo: Porsche)

All said the future might not be as positive for retained values overall as the last four years were, whether discussing Porsche or its competitors. 

“What a great year for retained values,” commented Brad Rome, President, Canadian Black Book. “That said, the feeling is that we are getting close to the turning point where values are going to begin to retreat.  Market conditions, most notably the increase in supply in the U.S. and Canada is expected to put downward pressure on prices moving forward.”

For the second year in a row, Porsche has been named the 2018 model year luxury brand winner of Kelley Blue Book’s annual Best Resale Value Awards, while Toyota took home the award in the mainstream…

Porsche earns KBB Best Resale Value Award

2018 Porsche 718 Cayman S
The Porsche 718 Cayman won its category in KBB’s 2018 Best Resale Value Award, while Porsche earned Best Resale Value amongst luxury brands too. (Photo: Porsche)

For the second year in a row, Porsche has been named the 2018 model year luxury brand winner of Kelley Blue Book’s annual Best Resale Value Awards, while Toyota took home the award in the mainstream volume brand sector.

“Once again, Toyota and Porsche earn tops honours in the brand and luxury brand categories, respectively, with the highest average projected resale value among their full model lineups,” said Eric Ibara, KBB’s director of residual values in a press release.

This is the 16th year of the award, which is based on projections from KBB’s Residual Value Guide. Brands are awarded for their vehicles’ projected retained value after five years of ownership.

2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T
The Porsche 911 Carrera also won its category in KBB’s 2018 Best Resale Value Award. (Photo: Porsche)

“You can be confident a vehicle will retain its value well if you pick from Kelley Blue Book’s list of Best Resale Value Award winners,” added Ibara.

On average a 2018 model year vehicle will only will retain about 35.1 percent of its MSRP, but each vehicle named in Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 for Best Resale Value is projected to retain more than 46 percent of its original value.

The Irvine, California-based third-party analytical firm chose the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman for the “Best Sports Car” category, with the 718 Boxster finishing second in the same category, while the 2018 Porsche 911 earned “Best High Performance Car”, 2018 Porsche Panamera won “Best High-End Luxury Car”, and 2018 Porsche Macan took home the “Best Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover”.

2018 Porsche Macan GTS
The 2018 Porsche Macan (shown) won its class for best resale value, as did Porsche’s Panamera four-door sport sedan. (Photo: Porsche)

Residual values represent the projected auction values of vehicles with 75,000 miles (120,700 km) on their odometers after five years of use.

According to KBB, the analysts responsible for establishing residual values review statistical model output sourced from millions of transactions.

Also notable, low-volume models are excluded from consideration unless being evaluated within luxury, sports car, high-performance, or electric vehicle categories.

Normally when a premium brand changes its model-naming scheme from creatively written monikers to alphanumeric drivel (like Mazda, Acura, Cadillac, and Lincoln did years ago—the latter brand just starting…

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
This is a difficult car to slip quietly past radar, but it certainly looks hot! (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Normally when a premium brand changes its model-naming scheme from creatively written monikers to alphanumeric drivel (like Mazda, Acura, Cadillac, and Lincoln did years ago—the latter brand just starting to embrace its past again with the Continental) I’m not in favour, but Porsche got a smiling thumbs up from yours truly when introducing 718 as the new model prefix for the 2017 Boxster and Cayman.

You see, Porsche has long used a mix of numbers, letters and words in its naming process, sometimes only referring to numbers like the original 356, the 901 that followed, the 911, 912, 914, 924, 928, 944, 959, 968, and so forth. These three-digit number sets were actually internal codes, with those noted being the most common way for the masses to refer to each model as well. Others, like the Boxster (codes 986, 987 and 981) and Cayman (codes 987 and 981) siblings, plus the Carrera GT (code 980), are better known by their given names, whereas the Macan, Cayenne, and Panamera don’t have internal Porsche codes at all, because they’re based on shared VW/Audi platform architectures.

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
The Cayman has long had beautiful lines, this new 718 arguably the prettiest yet. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

This makes Stuttgart’s decision to infuse some good old Porsche naming DNA into the Boxster and Cayman smart, as it ties these important entry-level sports cars more closely to the 911 Carrera they share some componentry with. See how I did that? I snuck the name “Carrera” into that last comment, another name synonymous with the beloved 911 (and aforementioned supercar).

Now the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman have a similar look and sound as 911 Carrera (or at least that’s the concept), while the number chosen is an attempt to show familial ties to the fabulous mid-engine 550 Spyder and its 718 RSK successor that took motorsport by storm from 1953 through 1956 and 1957 through 1962 respectively.

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
A number of changes mark the 2017 718 as unique compared to its predecessor. I’ll go over all in an upcoming review. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to buy in to the marketing spin. After all, the original 718s were lightweight two-seat mid-engine roadsters (with a few coupes thrown in for good measure, and for higher track speed) powered by horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines, which pretty well sums up today’s 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. Those spiritual predecessors were often dubbed “giant slayers” because the tiny, featherweight imps would often out-manoeuvre their larger, more powerful opponents: ditto Boxster and Cayman. In addition, the many Boxster and Cayman models that have been stripped of their innards and stuffed full of roll cages, racing seats, fire extinguishers and the like, and then regularly contested in serious motorsport events gives them credence as true descendants of a much revered 718 progenitor.

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
The 718 is the most refined Cayman yet. Stay tuned for details. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Of course, simply take one for a spin around the block and you’ll immediately know for yourself. We’re doing just that with a bright “Racing Yellow” 718 Cayman this week (and went one step better on the road and track with a 718 Boxster S last fall), and frankly we’re having too much fun to sit here and tell you much about it. But, of course, Porsche wouldn’t be too pleased if we kept all the good stuff to ourselves.

In short, this non-“S” variant gets a less potent yet still brilliantly fun 300 horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer with 280 lb-ft of torque (which is an increase of 25 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque over last year’s 2.7-litre flat-six), while the S puts 350 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque down to the rear wheels.

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
Yippee! A six-speed manual! (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Porsche even supplied our loaner with a six-speed manual… Yippee-ki-yay! Don’t get us wrong. We love the paddle-actuated seven-speed automated dual-clutch PDK too. It can hit 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds with the Sport Chrono package added, while this manual is claimed to achieve the feat in 5.1 seconds, while getting an estimated 9.4 L/100km when driven more calmly and using standard auto start/stop, compared to 9.8. But we’re saluting the glory days of the mighty mouse 718 RSK right now, so it’s only fitting to have a DIY gearbox along for the journey.

In reality, other than the aforementioned key points our luxury-lined 718 Cayman tester has little in common with the purposefully hollowed-out shell of a sports car that stole through the circuitous tree-lined Nürburgring Nordschleife in its heyday, but that’s just fine with me. While the thought of doing likewise on the legendary Eifel Mountains track (or any old racecourse for that matter) sends tingles up the spine, for everyday use and RSK would be ridiculously impractical and likely quite uncomfortable.

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
These upgraded seats are 14-way power-adjustable with memory, and heated. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Purposefully designed for middle-aged derrieres like mine, Porsche smartly added plenty of pampering upgrades to a base 718 Cayman already replete with ample creature comforts, its end mission more likely focused on spirited trips to the office and memorable weekend getaways for two than any competitive track time (makeshift Sunday afternoon autocross courses aside), despite still being one of the best all-round sports coupes available today.

Even the $61,500 base model gets an impressive list of standard features adorning the revised sheetmetal and reworked interior, the list including gorgeous new 10-spoke 18-inch alloys, a new three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel (inspired by the 918 Spyder supercar no less), a 4.6-inch colour high-resolution TFT multi-info display, a new state-of-the-art infotainment touchscreen and interface with stylish new graphics, all the latest tech such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera with active guidelines, Bluetooth phone connectivity with streaming audio, eight-speaker 150-watt audio, sport seats with partial leather upholstery, an electromechanical parking brake, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors, a HomeLink garage door opener, and more.

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
Three’s a crowd… there’s nothing in back but a gorgeous metal strut tower brace and a small trunk. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Above and beyond this, my tester added a $1,980 navigation module to the aforementioned infotainment system, $2,650 14-way powered sport seats with memory, and a $1,570 Premium package with rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, heatable seats, and dual-zone auto climate control. The wheels were upgraded to a set of $1,810 Cayman S rims as well, while Porsche added $1,510 torque vectoring (PTV) and $2,050 Active Suspension Management (PASM) to improve handling, as well as HID headlights with dynamic cornering capability (which are a prerequisite to the previously noted Premium package) for better night time visibility, the finally tally adding up to $74,320 before (always reasonable) freight and dealer fees.

Of course, the sky’s the limit when it comes to extras with this near-exotic brand, so go build one on Porsche Canada’s comprehensive online configurator and enjoy. I’ll be back soon to relate my in-car experience in an upcoming review, including the car’s ergonomics and comfort, build quality, electronics systems usability, overall practicality, and of course its drivability, plus we’ll include a massive photo album prepared just for your viewing pleasure. Stay tuned because you won’t want to miss this one…