Buy a 718 Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0 Before It's Too Late

Porsche's 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is much like an overlooked classic and an unknown amongst enthusiasts and Porsche lovers alike. While it's not a limited-production special like the Spyder or GT4 RS, its days are numbered. With the inevitable march towards electrification and hybridization, this analog masterpiece could soon become a sought-after collector's item, with a similar fate to the Porsche 944 S2 which is one of the most sought-after versions of the 944 today. So, if you've been yearning for a pure, unadulterated Porsche experience, now might be the time to act.

A recent article on Rennlist, aptly titled "Buy a 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Before It's Too Late," captures the sentiment among enthusiasts. The car is hailed as the "best pure sports car in the Porsche lineup," a testament to its unfiltered driving experience and timeless design.

Porsche 718 Boxster 4.0 GTS Specifications:

Engine: 4.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six

Horsepower: 394 hp (294 kW)

Torque: 309 lb-ft (420 Nm)

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (Standard) or 7-Speed PDK (Optional)

0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds (Manual), 3.8 seconds (PDK)

Top Speed: 182 mph (293 km/h)

Weight: 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg)

Layout: Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive

Suspension: Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)

Brakes: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) (Optional)

Price (Starting MSRP): $91,300

The Flat-Six Swan Song

What makes the GTS 4.0 so special? It all starts with the engine, a glorious, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that is refreshing in an age where turbos are everywhere. This engine, a close relative to the one found in the 911 GT3, delivers nearly 400 horsepower with a linear powerband and a spine-tingling exhaust note that revs all the way to 8000 rpm.

But the engine is just one piece of the puzzle. The GTS 4.0 is a driver's car through and through, with a sublime chassis, razor-sharp steering, and a manual transmission that begs to be shifted. It's a car that connects you to the road in a way that few modern sports cars can.

A Modern Classic in the Making?

While the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 might not have the limited-production allure of a special edition model, its relative rarity is undeniable. It's hard to find exact production numbers, but based on forum discussions and dealer accounts, it's clear that this model is far less common than its turbocharged four-cylinder siblings especially the manuals which are always sought after in the Porsche world. This scarcity, coupled with the imminent demise of the naturally aspirated flat-six engine in the 718 lineup, could make the GTS 4.0 a future classic.

One Rennlist user shared their perspective, "I think the GTS 4.0 will be a sought-after car in the future. It's the last of a dying breed, a pure analog sports car with a glorious engine. It's a car that deserves to be celebrated and cherished."

Behind the Wheel: A Pure Porsche Experience

The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 isn't just about numbers and specifications. It's about the visceral experience of driving a pure, unfiltered sports car. As one 718forum user put it, "The GTS 4.0 is an absolute joy to drive. It's a car that makes you feel alive, that reminds you why you fell in love with driving in the first place."

With its mid-engine layout, perfectly balanced chassis, and communicative steering, the GTS 4.0 dances through corners with an agility that belies its size. The naturally aspirated flat-six engine delivers a linear powerband that encourages you to rev it out, while the manual transmission provides a level of engagement that's increasingly rare in modern cars.

But the GTS 4.0 isn't just about performance. It's also a surprisingly comfortable and refined cruiser. The interior is well-appointed, with supportive seats and high-quality materials. And with the top down, the Boxster transforms into a wind-in-your-hair thrill machine that's perfect for sunny days and scenic drives.

The Ticking Clock: A Global Farewell to the 718

While enthusiasts in Europe lament the end of the 718 Boxster and Cayman orders, the ripple effects of this decision extend far beyond Germany's borders. Porsche's move to discontinue these models in its home market is a stark reminder that the clock is ticking for the entire 718 lineup globally. As emissions regulations tighten and the automotive industry accelerates towards electrification, the days of the internal combustion engine-powered 718 are numbered.

This realization has sparked a renewed appreciation for the current generation, particularly the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. While it may not be a limited-production special like the Spyder or GT4, its rarity within the 718 lineup is becoming increasingly apparent. With fewer examples produced than its turbocharged four-cylinder counterparts, the GTS 4.0 is poised to become the most sought-after and valuable iteration of the "regular" 718s.

A Future Classic in the Making?

The GTS 4.0 has all the right ingredients including a manual gearbox, one of the best handling chassis ever fitted to a production Porsche, and capabilities as a solid daily driver. Its naturally aspirated flat-six engine, a hallmark of Porsche's heritage, delivers a raw and unadulterated driving experience that's becoming increasingly rare in the era of turbocharging and electrification. The availability of a manual transmission further enhances its appeal to purists and driving enthusiasts.

Moreover, the GTS 4.0 is a well-rounded package, offering a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and everyday usability. Its nimble handling, comfortable ride, and open-top thrills make it a joy to drive on both winding roads and leisurely cruises. This versatility, coupled with its rarity and the impending end of its production run, makes the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 a compelling proposition for Porsche aficionados and collectors alike.

As one 718forum member aptly put it, "The GTS 4.0 is the sweet spot in the 718 lineup. It's got the perfect engine, the perfect transmission, and a timeless design. I can see it becoming a highly sought-after collector's car in the years to come."
Image Source: Porsche Newsroom
 

Author Bio

Bhavik Sreenath is an automotive expert, writer, and founder of Motolog Studio. With a Master's in Automotive Journalism and experience in publications like Bodyshop Magazine, he delivers compelling stories about the cars we love. From designing magazine layouts to reporting on eco-conscious practices, he brings a multifaceted perspective to automotive writing. His experience in Automotive Journalism makes him a vocal voice for car enthusiasts and industry insiders. Follow Bhavik on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, to stay in touch and up-to-date with the latest EV and battery development news.