2021 Porsche 718 Changes Add a Flat-Six Engine but Not a Six-Figure Price Tag

For a mid-generation refresh, the 2021 Porsche 718 sees significant upgrades and additions to its lineup. But the big news for the Porsche faithful is the availability of a new flat-six engine. Previously, the 718 Boxster and Cayman came only with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. For 2021, each can be equipped with a 4.0-liter 6-cylinder with proper horizontally-opposed pistons.

Installed in the new 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 and 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, the powertrain produces 394 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Both models will come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. The new Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 zero-to-60 mph acceleration time is estimated at 4.3 seconds, and the top speed is 182 mph.

For the sake of comparison, the standard Porsche 718’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is no slouch, supplying 300 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, acceleration to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 170 mph. But it probably doesn’t sound as good doing it.

As is typical for a Porsche GTS variant, these new 718 GTS 4.0 models are specially-tuned with an active sport suspension, a sport exhaust system, a Sport Chrono package, and a mechanical limited-slip differential with torque vectoring. The GTS models also are outfitted with sport seats and satin black 20-inch aluminum wheels.

A 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is an option for the GTS 4.0, and for 2021 Porsche also makes it available the previously manual-only 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder. Both the 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder are already capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and both could see faster times when equipped with the PDK, which is known for its ultra-quick shifts.

Updates for the 2021 Porsche 718 lineup are not limited to the drivetrain. A slew of features is now standard including automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors with a rain sensor, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and Apple CarPlay.

Naturally, the cost bumps up as well. Prices for the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman start at $59,900 and the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster price is set at $62,000. These figures represent a $2,400 increase for both base models. The new Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 models are priced at $86,800 for the Cayman and $88,900 for the Boxster. Opting for the PDK transmission will add $3,730 to 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0 models and $3,210 to the 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder. The destination fee for all 2021 Porsche 718 models is $1,350.

Drooling yet? You can order a new 2021 Porsche 718 right now. Manual transmission-equipped vehicles will arrive by the end of the year while PDK-optioned vehicles are expected to reach dealerships in early 2021.

The information in this article is from Porsche. It was accurate on June 25, 2020 but may have changed since that date.

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