2018 Porsche 718 Boxster & Cayman GTS

Malaga (Mal-a-ga), Spain is our playground this go around. We steered the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster & Cayman GTS along mountain roads and through the 26 turns of the famous Circuito (Sea-qee toe) Ascari track. It took us back to the classic 718’s racing days in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. 

Of course, now we have the benefits of modern engineering. 365-horses rush from the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four. And yes, we remember when 6-cylinders did all the work.. but dropping two improves efficiency and actually adds force.

ZACH MASKELL: “The 2.5 liter 4 cylinders do absolutely fill the shoes of the 6-cylinders just fine. Now the sound you want might not be there but the torque certainly is. The dampening is almost perfect. The springs are stiffer. This is a mid engine car so the fun factor will absolutely be there.”

JOHN DAVIS: The GTS bumps up horsepower by 15 over the 718 S. We maneuvered the 6-speed manual and the optional 7-speed PDK. As much as we like doing our own rowing… the automatic is smooth and ultra-fast. Steering is precise and we wouldn’t change a thing.

The GTS is Porsche flat in the curves. Porsche Active Suspension Management can lower the car 0.4 of an inch. It’s solid and firm, but not overbearing on bumpy roads. Porsche purists may not like the exhaust note, but the 2018 Porsche 718 GTS stays true to the driving experience these cars are known for. 

On sale now, the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS starts at just under $80,000. Add 2-grand more puts the top down on a Boxster.