When Porsche once again gave in to its mid-engined urges two decades ago, the resulting Boxster was a sportscar mixing plenty of fun with modest numbers. The recent 718 half-generation has thrown that philosophy out the electric window and the GTS model, which is now making its spyshot debut, will take things even further.
Given the early development stage, the test vehicle seen here packs the nose of the "normal" Boxster. Nevertheless, an added front lip, which reminds us of the 911 Turbo's active aero bits, helps the car deliver an aerodynamic profile closer that of the future production vehicle.
As for the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four occupying the middle section of the Zuffenhausen machine, the boxer unit should see the 350 hp output of the S model jumping to 375 ponies. The engine will be mated to both a seven-speed PDK or a six-speed manual, as is the case with the current 718 Boxster and Boxster S.
Despite the forced-fed soundtrack drawbacks, you should be able to tell the GTS apart from the lesser Boxster versions thanks to its special exhaust.
Handling-wise, the driver-focused GTS badge means the sportscar will ride closer to the road, while packing revised damper rates, so expect a seriously sharp driving experience.
And if we keep in mind that the 718 Boxster S is already incredibly quick, playing the quarter mile game in 12.5 seconds and being able to lap the Nurburgring in a 997 GT3-rivaling 7:42, we can only come to the conclusion that the 718 GTS will be nothing short of a weapon.
Given Zuffenhausen's strategy, which constantly keeps enthusiasts on their toes, once the mid-engined GTS makes its debut next year (as a 2018 model), we'll have something else to dream about - the confirmed naturally aspirated flat-six Boxster Spyder successor.
As for the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four occupying the middle section of the Zuffenhausen machine, the boxer unit should see the 350 hp output of the S model jumping to 375 ponies. The engine will be mated to both a seven-speed PDK or a six-speed manual, as is the case with the current 718 Boxster and Boxster S.
Despite the forced-fed soundtrack drawbacks, you should be able to tell the GTS apart from the lesser Boxster versions thanks to its special exhaust.
Handling-wise, the driver-focused GTS badge means the sportscar will ride closer to the road, while packing revised damper rates, so expect a seriously sharp driving experience.
The 718 Boxster GTS has an uber-difficult mission
The one making life difficult for the upcoming open-top Porscha is none other than its predecessor. We had the pleasure to take the 981-gen six-cylinder Boxter GTS to the same track where we tested the Lamborghini Huracan's circuit abilities. And, as strange as this may sound to some, the Porsche provided more fun than the 602 hp (610 PS) Raging Bull, all thanks to its amazing balance.And if we keep in mind that the 718 Boxster S is already incredibly quick, playing the quarter mile game in 12.5 seconds and being able to lap the Nurburgring in a 997 GT3-rivaling 7:42, we can only come to the conclusion that the 718 GTS will be nothing short of a weapon.
Given Zuffenhausen's strategy, which constantly keeps enthusiasts on their toes, once the mid-engined GTS makes its debut next year (as a 2018 model), we'll have something else to dream about - the confirmed naturally aspirated flat-six Boxster Spyder successor.