The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is a 2-seater Porsche convertible sports car made for those who enjoy a top-down experience but also want a car that can hold its own on a track. The 718 Boxster is a fun car to drive, and it comes with a proper Boxster engine, a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat 6-cylinder engine. So, is Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 a good car?
Yes, the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is definitely a really good car because it combines what every Porsche does best. First of all, it gets a proper engine as opposed to all the entry-level 718 models, and it drives incredibly well. You also have the ability to put the top down if you want to feel the wind in your hair.
The GTS looks more focused than entry-level 718 models do which means that it sits lower to the ground, comes with better-looking wheels, and has certain additional features that distinguish it from 4-cylinder 718 variants. The GTS is also a relatively reliable car, but there are some issues worth dwelling into.
The values of these are really strong because they retain value better than pretty much all cars from this segment. Practicality is fairly compromised due to a small chassis, but the Boxster is enough for two average-sized adults. Moreover, it also comes with two relatively large storage spaces front and back.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 – The powertrain
The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 gets a really exciting 4.0L naturally aspirated flat 6-cylinder engine that is sourced directly from the GT3 911. This engine puts out 400hp and 310lb-ft of torque which enables the GTS 4.0 to reach 60mph from a standstill in about 4 seconds flat. The top speed is 179mph and the quarter-mile time is under 12 seconds.
This engine is a joy to drive because it offers a linear power band and because it is a free-revving engine that sounds glorious. Entry-level 718 models come with lackluster 4-cylinder engines which somehow just aren’t fitting for the 718, but the 6-cylinder powerplant in GTS/Boxster Spyder model is absolutely glorious.
This engine is mated to either a Porsche short-throw manual or a PDK dual-clutch automatic and both of these have their ups and downs. All 718 models are rear-wheel-drive and all of them have their engines mounted in the middle of the car.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 – Design and chassis
The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 does not differ too much from the regular Boxster model except for a few design touches. Better-looking wheels, more exciting color choices, blacked-out trim, and a lower ride height are just a few upgrades over the regular 718 Boxster. The interior is starting to show its age a little bit but is packed with high-quality materials throughout.
The chassis and suspension tuning is stiff, but not overly so. This means that the car stays flat in the corners and it rides harshly, but it is not punishing in any way. The car is balanced beautifully thanks to a mid-mounted engine which distributes the weight across all four corners in a perfect way.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 – Reliability and common issues
The 718 GTS 4.0 is a decently reliable car, but there are some issues worth talking about. For starters, the GTS engine has a massive issue with the connecting rods which even prompted Porsche to completely pause the production of the 718. The car is also prone to increased levels of oil consumption which some say is normal, but in reality, it is not.
Other issues are associated with the A/C system, the transmission, and the equipment. The manual transmission needs to be babied in order to last, the A/C system suffers from condenser issues, and the rear spoiler is often known to get stuck, and so does the roof.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 – Value and practicality
The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 costs around $90,250 while the special edition 25th anniversary costs slightly under $100,000. Both of these are identical except for the fact that the 25th-anniversary model looks cooler. Either way, both of these retain value really well which means that they do not depreciate as bad as some other cars from this segment do.
Practicality is compromised thanks to a small chassis, only 2 seats, and a lack of leg room for taller drivers. Average-size adults should be fine behind the wheel while taller drivers are likely to struggle.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0?
If you like compact 2-seater convertible sports cars, you are going to love the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. The reason why is simple. First of all, it gets an amazing naturally aspirated engine that will not be around for much longer. Second of all, it drives amazingly well because it is so balanced and well-tuned.
However, if you are tall and you don’t like these sorts of cars, you are not going to enjoy the Boxster in any way. It can’t do daily driving all that well, nor it can shuttle passengers. The car is definitely compromised in the practicality department, and that is rather obvious.
Is Porsche discontinuing the Boxster?
The future of the Porsche Boxster is uncertain, but it seems like Porsche is not going to discontinue either the Cayman or the Boxster. It seems like Porsche is keener on making these fully electric cars in the future, and some say that we are going to see fully electric Boxster and Cayman models by the end of 2022.
Why do people love the Porsche flat 6-cylinder engine?
Porsche fanboys usually rave about the flat 6-cylinder engine like it is a 6.5L naturally aspirated Ferrari V12. 6-cylinder engines are common on cars that have absolutely nothing to do with performance driving for a while. So, what is so special about the flat 6-cylinder?
For starters, this engine defined a true sports Porsche model and has been around for decades, especially in the 911. Furthermore, this engine offers an incredibly linear, predictable power band which is just buttery to drive. Finally, it is a naturally aspirated engine that sounds nice, the power response is on point, and there simply aren’t many of these engines around these days.