In an apparentsnub to downsizing, Porsche will fit its 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS derivatives with a 294 kW naturally aspirated flat-6 engineinstead of the current 2.5-litre turbo flat-4. What's more, these 4.0 versions will initially be offered with 6-speed manual'boxes only, which will thrill sportscar aficionados no end…

Although it's understood that turbocharged Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS derivatives will be sold concurrently with the 4.0s, Porsche will ultimately dropits 2.5-litre flat-4 boxer turbo engine (in GTS versions) in favour of this– a detuned Cayman GT4 4.0-litre flat-6 mill – at the end of the year, when a 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission may be offered too. To be fair, the 4-cylinder engine wasn't the most popular in the Porsche community, a group of enthusiasts who live for the wail of a flat-6 motor.

Compared with the current 269kW/430 Nm 2.5-litre turbopetrol,the new 4.0-litre flat-6 boxer motor produces 294 kW and 419 Nm and it'll hit 100 kph from zero in 4.5 seconds and romp onto a top speed of 294 kph. The combination of a free-revving motor and snappy 6-on-the-floor, the Boxster- and Cayman GTS 4.0 should be exhilarating to drive.

Both the Boxster- and Cayman GTS 4.0 featureminor cosmetic detail upgradesand comeequipped with 20-inch alloys, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension, along with a 20-millimetre lower ride height, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip rear differential as standard.Sport Chrono package (with upgraded Porsche Track Precision App) is also fitted, buta sports exhaust and carbon-ceramic composite braking systemwill be extra-cost options.

Porsche says its new derivatives will reachGerman dealerships from the end of March 2020;South African pricing is listed below.

718 GTS Pricing in South Africa (January 2020)

The below pricing includes a 5-year Driveplan. A 3-year Driveplan is also available.

718 Cayman GTS 4.0 R1 214 000

718 Boxster GTS 4.0 R1 225 000

Further reading:

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2019) Price in South Africa

All-New Porsche Cayman GT4 Revealed

Porsche 718 Cayman S (2016) First Drive

Porsche 718 Cayman & Boxster GTS (2018) Launch Review