Porsche 718 six-cylinder models get PDK option

First it gave six-cylinder power back to the (well-heeled) people. Now, Porsche is pairing it with paddles.

The Porsche 718 CaymanGTS and Boxster GTS, Cayman GT4, and Boxster Spyder will be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the first quarter of 2021.

The PDK will command a $5990 premium over the existing six-speed manual, but brings about a significant performance improvement.

Porsche says the quick-shifting transmission shaves half a second from the GTS and GT4/Spyder’s sprint times to 100km/h, dropping them to 4.0 seconds and 3.9 seconds respectively.

The 0-200km/h sprint has been improved by 0.4 seconds in both cars, too. Although the faster shifts play a role, the six-speed manual in the GT4 and GTS has very long gearing.

With more ratios to play with, we’d suggest the PDK is shorter geared and therefore quicker off the line. Seventh gear in the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder is actually shorter than in the GTS 4.0.

Power in the GTS comes from a 4.0-litre flat six engine with 294kW of power and 420Nm of torque, while the GT4 and Spyder have the same torque output but 309kW.

Along with the PDK option, Porsche has added Python Green to the GT4 and Spyder’s colour palette, and made the 718 GTS available with 20-inch wheels in silver, not just black.

Alcantara interior trim has been replaced with Race-Tex, a microfibre material designed to be breathable, comfortable, and more environmentally friendly than Alcantara.

Pricing

• 2021 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK: $177,990
• 2021 Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0 PDK: $180,790
• 2021 Porsche Boxster Spyder PDK: $201,890
• 2021 Porsche Cayman GT4 PDK: $211,690

All prices exclude on-road costs.

For full pricing details for the Porsche 718 range, check out our full pricing and specs story.