The End of an Icon: 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
For those in pursuit of the last bastion of pure sports car spirit within the Porsche lineup, the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 stands as the quintessential choice. With the Porsche Macan and Cayenne dominating sales figures, the 911 being the iconic face of the brand, and the Taycan representing the future in electric mobility, the 718 often hovers under the radar. Yet, insiders and driving purists know that the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is the epitome of raw driving pleasure—thanks to its mid-engine layout and a sonorous flat-six engine producing nearly 400 horsepower.
However, what makes the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 even more special is its fleeting existence in the showroom. With plans for future Boxsters going electric, the days of feeling that visceral connection through a naturally aspirated engine might be nearing an end. If you’re not prepared to browse the used car market, now is the time to act.
Why the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Shines Bright
The GTS 4.0 variant has been around for a few years, but its relevance has never waned. What sets it apart in the 2024 lineup? For starters, you can still get a manual transmission, naturally aspirated engine, and even analog gauges—elements that purists crave but are becoming relics in the high-tech vehicular landscape. While the newer 911 GTS cars offer more speed and technology, they're also losing some of that iconic Porsche essence.
One of the major draws of the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is its geometry and weight. Compared to the 2025 911 GTS Cabriolet, which has packed on heft and cost, the Boxster remains light and agile. These factors contribute not just to its dynamic driving experience but also to its relative affordability in the upper echelon of Porsche sports cars.
The Thrill of Driving A GTS 4.0
For anyone reminiscing about what the 911 used to embody before becoming a grand tourer, the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 offers a return to roots. It’s more engaging, more raw, and somehow more personal. Achieving a 0 to 60 mph time in around 4 seconds and a top speed that breaches 180 mph, the car packs as much thrill as one could hope for. Yet, it’s the immersive driving experience, the direct connection between car and driver, that makes it unmatched in its segment.
A Few Shortcomings
The Boxster GTS 4.0 isn't without its flaws. The manual transmission, while delightful in theory, suffers from long gear ratios, somewhat diluting the engagement of each shift. Additionally, the interior design hasn’t seen a significant update in years, making it feel dated compared to newer models. And while relatively inexpensive next to a 911, a fully loaded Boxster GTS 4.0 will still set you back into six figures.
The Dawn of a New Era
As Porsche ushers the Boxster into its electric future, the GTS 4.0 remains a celebrated nod to what once was. Whether you're an enthusiast savoring every moment of naturally aspirated zeal or a collector looking for a piece of motoring history, the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is a must-have. But tarry not; this pure driving experience is on the precipice of becoming a thing of the past.
Images: Porsche