VIDEO: Porsche 718 GTS detailed – is flat-four better?

When Porsche introduced the 718 Boxster and Cayman, some enthusiasts the world over threw a fit of frenzy over the company’s decision to retire the naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine in favour of a turbocharged flat-four. The decision to go down the forced induction route was partly due to emissions compliance, but the gains in the performance department is where things start to impress profoundly.

On a regular 718, its 2.0 litre turbo unit makes 300 hp and 380 Nm of torque, which is 35 hp and 100 Nm up from the naturally-aspirated 2.7 litre flat-six in the base 981. The 718 S brings those figures up to 350 hp and 420 Nm from a larger 2.5 litre turbo mill – 35 hp and 60 Nm more than the old Boxster S’ 3.4 litre six-pot despite being nearly a litre down on capacity.

Meanwhile, the engine that equips the 718 GTS is a mid-mounted 2.5 litre four-cylinder that produces 365 hp and 430 Nm. That’s 15 hp and 10 Nm more than the same engine found in the 718 S, and much of this was achieved through a new intake duct and a modified turbocharger.

Compared to its predecessor – the 981 GTS – the 718 GTS has a 35 hp and 60 Nm advantage. Power now peaks at 6,500 rpm and torque arrives much earlier from 1,900 rpm – again, another key benefit of turbocharging. In comparison, the older NA engine’s 370 Nm peaks between 4,500 rpm and 5,800 rpm. Together with a seven-speed PDK transmission, the 718 GTS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds versus 4.7 seconds in the older GTS – both sprint times were done in Sport Plus mode.

Watch the video above for a more detailed look at both the 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS. Are you a fan of the flat-four, or do you prefer the older naturally-aspirated flat-six? Let us know below.



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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • balldisc on Jan 26, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    It is a concept made popular by the original VW Beetle. Til today, Subaru still runs boxer 4, BMW bikes boxer 2.

    Alfa romeo was popular with boxer 4 too, before replaced with Fiat’s 4 inline block but with Alfa twin spark head

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • heybadigol (Member) on Jan 26, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    Should have borrowed the inline 5 from the Audi RS3 and tune it for Porsche use. The RS3 sounds way better than the 718’s 4 cylinder. I don’t think Porsche will have any problems improving on the inline 5.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Richard Lam on Jan 26, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    NA is always cheaper to maintain. Porsche owners are rich so to maintain both types no problem.

    The worrying thing about Turbo it is in cheap cars like CRV and Civic.

    Wait till warranty is over. You will see your bills DOUBLE than non turbo. NA is always cheaper and less problems

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • 12yrsold on Jan 26, 2018 at 5:05 pm

    Why argue over flat-4 or flat-6 ?! Those numbers are there for people who want to argue for the sake of arguing.

    The 718 Boxster & Cayman are the best sports car in its segment bcos it out perform its rivals in most department.

    If U give a 300 hp Caymen to a guy with guts & skill, it will out race a guy with 400 hp with lesser skill/guts. In short, its the driving skills that count.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
    • Rightwinger on Jan 26, 2018 at 5:56 pm

      Obviously you’ve never heard their flat sixz behind your head, WOT, revs climbing to the red line. It adds an aural dimension to the driving experience.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • Yeast Lump on Jan 26, 2018 at 7:23 pm

    Sigh! subarus flat four engine underpowered can’t even match Porsche flat fours after so many years R&D

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jan 26, 2018 at 8:34 pm

    a documentary by porsche….more like ad

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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