► Upcoming Porsche 718 Boxster GTS spotted
► More power; chassis and aero tweaks
► Expected on sale towards the end of 2017
Regular or high-performance S variant of the new Porsche 718 Boxster not lighting your fire? Well, your feelings towards the freshly flat-four’d roadster might be about to change – because a more powerful, evocative GTS version is in the works.
So, what will be new?
The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS, rumours of which appeared just prior to the reveal of the conventional Boxster, will follow established GTS trends – that of a mild cosmetic and mechanical reworking, with the aim of making the car quicker and more engaging.
Our sources had previously reported on a more potent GTS derivative, and these latest spy shots appear to show that very version of Porsche’s drop-top sports car.
Expect the new GTS to feature minor aero tweaks to improve its downforce, stiffer suspension, a new exhaust system and different wheels. That reworked exhaust system could be one of the more prominent changes, and may quell some of the ongoing clamour around the flat-four Porsche’s somewhat unseemly noise.
The front-end look of the production version will be somewhat different compared to this mule, though; this prototype displays a small spoiler lip at the front as its aero upgrade, but the real deal is expected to get a completely redesigned bumper that will integrate that lip while delivering similar effects.
Any more power?
Absolutely. Porsche’s new Boxster GTS will also pack more of a punch, thanks to a likely easily attained – thanks to the use of turbocharging – 25bhp hike in output. That, if it comes to pass, will bring the Boxster GTS’s power to around 375bhp. Previously, a figure of ‘at least 365bhp’ had been mentioned by our sources.
Manual and PDK versions should be offered, given past GTS trends and the current 718 Boxster line-up. A 718 Cayman GTS is also expected, in keeping with the previous generation.
When will it go on sale – and how much will it cost?
The new GTS is expected to arrive in the second half of 2017. Previously, the GTS commanded a premium of around £6k over the regular Boxster S. If that remains the case, then the new 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS will likely cost around £57k in manual form, or £59k if you opt for PDK.
See more Porsche spy shots
