2015 Porsche Boxster GT
2015 Porsche Boxster GT
The Porsche Boxster S 
and its hardtop twin the Cayman Sare formidable sports cars with a capable engine, well-engineered transmissions, and enough track presence to out maneuver a majority of its competition. However,Porsche 
is pushing for more with the introduction of the souped-up GTS version of each car.
and its hardtop twin the Cayman Sare formidable sports cars with a capable engine, well-engineered transmissions, and enough track presence to out maneuver a majority of its competition. However,Porsche is pushing for more with the introduction of the souped-up GTS version of each car.
The GTS package simply brings more good stuff to the table. More power from the 3.4-liter flat-six engine, better handling thanks to revised suspension components, and a unique exterior appearance separating the GTS version from the less S models and lesser base Boxster and Cayman cars.
Diving into the details of the Boxster reveals an added 15 horsepower and 7 pound-feet of torque, bringing the total to 330 horses and 273 pound-feet. Porsche’s Sport Chrono package and Active Suspension Management (PASM) come with the package as well. Dynamic engine mounts, selectable damper stiffness, and throttle response are all modified at the push of a button. Put everything in sport mode, and a PDK-equipped Boxster will hit 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. For those who’d rather row their own gears, Porsche is offering the six-speed manual in the GTS, though its performance suffers a few tenths. Also optional are carbon ceramic brakes along with Porsche Torque Vector ing, the latter of which utilizes the brakes and a locking differential to control how torque is applied to the ground.
ing, the latter of which utilizes the brakes and a locking differential to control how torque is applied to the ground.
Separating the GTS from the lesser Boxsters are a number of GTS badges, including one on the headrest of the Alcantara-appointed sport seats. Like other GTS models , Alcantara is heavily used. The steering wheel, headliner, and center console are all covered in it. Blacked-out 20-inch wheels are unique as well as they match the subdued headlight surrounds.
are a number of GTS badges, including one on the headrest of the Alcantara-appointed sport seats. Like other GTS models , Alcantara is heavily used. The steering wheel, headliner, and center console are all covered in it. Blacked-out 20-inch wheels are unique as well as they match the subdued headlight surrounds.
Updated 03/24/2014: Porsche unveiled a new video showing the new Boxster GTS in action.
Spy Shots
January 16, 2014 - First Testing Session
The prototype caught testing today by our spy photographers wears small camouflage, so it is pretty easy to see that the Boxster GTS will get a new front bumper and an updated diffuser around back.
The prototype rides on 19-inch wheels wrapped in winter tires, but the production version will likely feature standard 20-inch wheels with some sticky summer tires.
Exterior
The large air intakes below the headlights are more aerodynamic with only one horizontal bar running its length and a large vertical fin helping capture more air.
Compared to the Boxster S, the GTS has a much more aggressive front fascia. The large air intakes below the headlights are more aerodynamic with only one horizontal bar running its length and a large vertical fin helping capture more air. The lower center grille has a more open mouth with a chin splitter down low. That splitter, the center grille, and the side intakes are all finished in a dark, matte grey color that really stands out.
Out back, the GTS enjoys a more aggressive air diffuser and dark-tipped exhaust pipes. The accent line that runs through the taillights and over the rear spoiler is now that same matte-grey finish featured on the front fascia. In fact, that finish is carried through the majority of the car, showing up in the darkened headlights, taillights, and 20-inch wheels.
Boxster S Versus Boxster GTS
Interior
Alcantara is found in the thick-rim steering wheel, along the center console and armrest, and sewn into the leather-trimmed seats.
Porsche changes just enough inside the Boxster GTS’ cabin to make it more sporty. Alcantara is found in the thick-rim steering wheel, along the center console and armrest, and sewn into the leather-trimmed seats. The material does a good job at communicating the GTS’ intended purpose of sportiness. Otherwise, the cabin still enjoys that Panamera look with the flowing center console and space shuttle-type switchgear.
look with the flowing center console and space shuttle-type switchgear.GalleryPorsche Boxster GTS
Drivetrain
The 3.4-liter flat-six gets a welcomed 15 horsepower and 7 pound-feet boost over the standard engine. In the Boxster GTS, that translates to a total of 330 horses and 273 pound-feet of torque.
Here’s where the majority of the changes come into play. The 3.4-liter flat-six gets a welcomed 15 horsepower and 7 pound-feet boost over the standard engine. In the Boxster GTS, that translates to a total of 330 horses and 273 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the Boxster S, the Sport Chrono package and Active Suspension Management (PASM) come standard.
What this means for the driver is simple. Click the Sport+ button on a PDK-equipped GTS, and the suspension, steering, and throttle response tightens up – along with adjustable engine mounts that stiffen up to provide crisper shifting and more direct power delivery. With everything in the proper setting, a GTS with the PDK gearbox will hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Zero to 60 mph happen in 4.7 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. The top speed is listed at 174 mph for the manual with no word on top speed for the PDK.
2015 Porsche Boxster GTS - Drivetrain Specifications
| Engine | Manual | PDK |
|---|---|---|
| Layout / number of cylinders | 6 | 6 |
| Displacement | 3.4 l | 3.4 l |
| Engine layout | Mid-engine | Mid-engine |
| Horsepower | 330 hp | 330 hp |
| @ rpm | 6700 rpm | 6700 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb.-ft. | 273 lb.-ft. |
| Compression ratio | 12.5 : 1 | 12.5 : 1 |
| Top Track Speed | 175 mph | 177 mph |
| 0 - 60 mph | TBA sec | 4.7 seconds |
Price
Starting price for the 2014 Boxster GTS is set at $74,495, including the $995 destination charge. That’s roughly $12,000 more than the Boxster S. However, once broken down, the addition cost seems like a good deal. Start adding the Sport Chrono package, larger wheels, and sport suspension to the Boxster S and the price flirts with that of an un-optioned GTS – and that still leaves you short the 15 additional horsepower and the desirable GTS badging. In our minds, if you were going to upgrade your Boxster S anyway, just spring for the GTS package and enjoy the extra amenities it offers.
Competitors
BMW M235i Convertible
By the time Porsche releases the new Boxster GTS, BMW should also unveiled the M235i Convertible. It will be offered with the same engine as the coupe version: a 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder engine equipped with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 322 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.
Mercedes SLK350
The SLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that generates 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission offered for this model is the seven-speed automatic with three selectable modes.
Prices start from $57,150.
Conclusion
The GTS package is a wonderful addition to the Boxster and Cayman lineup. It sits in the top slot in both cars’ trim levels, and for good reason. The extra power, added Alcantara interior, sport suspension, and upscale allure of the GTS nomenclature lend a lot to the already-capable car.
Like we said above, if it were our money, we’d jump on the GTS for all its added features for what seems like a reasonable price.
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