As the automotive world marches towards an electric future, the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 stands as a triumphant swan song for the brand's iconic mid-engined sports car. This meticulously crafted machine offers a rare moment of silence and serenity before the roar of its flat-six engine ignites a symphony of pure driving bliss.
A Bittersweet Farewell to the Combustion Era
Savoring the Silence
The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 begins with a moment of tranquility, a brief respite from the persistent chimes and alerts that have become the norm in modern automobiles. Settling into the sculpted driver's seat, one is immediately struck by the bespoke craftsmanship of the cabin, a testament to Porsche's attention to detail. This serene interlude is soon shattered by the thunderous roar of the car's defining feature – the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine nestled behind the driver's back.A Farewell to the Combustion Era
The engine's distinctive growl is a poignant reminder that the Boxster's days with a combustion-powered heart are numbered. As Porsche prepares to transition its two-seat sports car to an all-electric future, the GTS 4.0 represents a high-water mark for the model's internal combustion era. This is a car to be savored, a last chance to experience the raw, visceral thrill of a Boxster powered by a flat-six engine before the era of electrification takes hold.Choosing the Right Transmission
One of the key decisions facing prospective Boxster GTS 4.0 owners is the choice of transmission. While the six-speed manual gearbox offers a more engaging and tactile driving experience, the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic presents a compelling argument. The PDK's closely stacked ratios provide quicker, more instantaneous responses to throttle inputs, potentially giving the driver a slight edge in performance. However, the manual's stubby, well-placed shifter and the ability to explore the engine's full potential through the gears hold a certain charm for purists.Exploring the Flat-Six's Potential
Regardless of the transmission choice, the Boxster GTS 4.0's 4.0-liter flat-six engine is the true star of the show. With 400 horsepower on tap, this powerplant delivers immense thrust, pushing the mid-engined sports car to exhilarating speeds. The engine's broad power band and linear power delivery allow the driver to extract the maximum performance, whether through the manual's well-spaced gear ratios or the PDK's lightning-fast shifts.Handling Prowess and Everyday Usability
The Boxster GTS 4.0's dynamic capabilities extend far beyond its straight-line performance. Porsche's mid-engined layout provides exceptional balance and agility, allowing the driver to tackle twisty roads with confidence and precision. Despite its performance potential, the GTS maintains a compliant ride quality, making it a genuinely usable sports car for everyday driving. Excellent seats, a well-designed driving position, and good all-round visibility further enhance the Boxster's everyday appeal.Braking and Driver Engagement
Bringing the Boxster GTS 4.0 to a halt is a task entrusted to the car's substantial braking system, with 350mm front and 330mm rear discs. These brakes demonstrate impressive fade-resistance, even under repeated hard use, allowing the driver to fully exploit the car's performance without concern. The direct, communicative feel of the brake pedal further reinforces the Boxster's driver-focused character, placing the control firmly in the hands of the enthusiast behind the wheel.The Boxster's Enduring Appeal
As the Boxster prepares to transition to an all-electric future, the GTS 4.0 stands as a fitting tribute to the model's combustion-powered legacy. This sports car celebrates the pure joy of driving, offering a level of driver engagement and involvement that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern automotive landscape. For those seeking a last hurrah with a Boxster powered by a flat-six engine, the GTS 4.0 represents a must-have opportunity to savor the past before the future takes hold.
