Porsche is very good at doing a lot with a little.
Rather than introduce entirely new models, the German carmaker tends to create as many permutations of existing ones as possible. That pattern continues with the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS, the latest additions to Porsche’s small sports car lineup.
In Porsche-speak, “GTS’ usually denotes a model that is better than the standard one, but not too extreme. That seems to be the case here, as these models are improvements over the Boxster S and Cayman S, but won’t ruin your life like the A/C-less previous-generation Boxster Spyder and Cayman R.
Each car features the same 3.4-liter boxer-six as its S counterpart, but with 15 more horsepower and 7 more pound-feet of torque. that brings the total to 330 hp and 273 lb-ft for the Boxster GTS, and 340 hp and 280 lb-ft for the Cayman GTS.
Both cars also get the performance-enhancing Sport Chrono package standard, plus a choice of the standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK.
With the PDK and its faster shifts, Porsche says the Boxster GTS will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the Cayman GTS will do the same in 4.3 seconds. However, the highest top speeds – 174 mph for the Boxster and 177 mph for the Cayman – are achieved with the stick shift.
Other notable features include a sport exhaust system and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which lets drivers adjust the suspension’s firmness from country club to the full James Dean.
Visually, the Boxster and Cayman GTS are distinguished by model-specific 20-inch alloy wheels and new front and rear fascias with black plastic elements that look like they belong on a Honda Civic.
The interior features an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, headliner, and center console, as well as reinforced sport seats.
U.S. buyers will be able to get their hands on all of that Alcantara this summer. Prices start at $74,495 for the Boxster GTS and $76,195 for the Cayman GTS (both prices include destination).
For now, the GTS models are at the top of the Boxtser-Cayman lineup. At least, until Porsche dreams up something else.