2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Review: The Last Pure Gas-Powered Thrill
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 represents the pinnacle of mid-engine, naturally aspirated sports cars before Porsche's electric transition. With its 4.0L flat-six engine, perfect balance, and thrilling driving dynamics, it's one of the most rewarding sports cars under $150,000.
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The End of an Era: Porsche's Last Gas-Powered 718
As Porsche prepares to transition its 718 lineup to all-electric power in 2025, the 2024 Boxster GTS 4.0 stands as a swan song for combustion-engine purity. This isn't just another sports car review—it's a eulogy for one of the greatest driver's cars of the modern era.
Why the GTS 4.0 Matters Now More Than Ever
With Porsche confirming the discontinuation of gas-powered 718 models, the GTS 4.0 represents the final opportunity to experience:
- A naturally aspirated flat-six engine (4.0L producing 394 hp)
- Traditional manual transmission option (6-speed)
- Pure mechanical driving feel before electrification
- The perfect balance of daily usability and track capability
Driving Experience: Pure Automotive Poetry
Behind the wheel, the Boxster GTS 4.0 delivers an experience that's becoming increasingly rare in today's automotive landscape.
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Engine and Performance
The 4.0-liter flat-six is a masterpiece of engineering, derived from the same basic architecture as the 911's engine but with a character all its own. Key performance highlights include:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six |
| Horsepower | 394 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 309 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds (PDK), 4.3 seconds (manual) |
| Top Speed | 182 mph |
Chassis and Handling
Where the GTS 4.0 truly shines is in its handling balance. The mid-engine layout provides:
- Perfect 47:53 weight distribution
- Telepathic steering feedback (despite being electric power steering)
- Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard
- Mechanical limited-slip differential
Living With the Boxster GTS 4.0
Unlike many high-performance sports cars, the Boxster remains surprisingly livable for daily use.
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Practical Considerations
The Boxster offers:
- Two trunks (4.4 cu-ft front, 4.6 cu-ft rear)
- Comfortable seating for long distances
- Relatively good fuel economy for a performance car (20 mpg combined)
Technology and Features
While focused on driving purity, the GTS 4.0 doesn't skimp on modern amenities:
- 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Bose surround sound system
How It Compares: The GTS 4.0 vs. The Competition
In the $90,000-$120,000 sports car segment, the Boxster GTS 4.0 stands apart:
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Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 vs. Chevrolet Corvette
While the Corvette offers more power and a lower price point, the Boxster provides:
- More refined driving dynamics
- Higher-quality interior materials
- Convertible option (vs. Corvette's fixed roof or targa)
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 vs. BMW Z4 M40i
The BMW might be more comfortable for daily use, but can't match the Porsche's:
- Precision handling
- Naturally aspirated engine character
- Mid-engine balance
The Verdict: A Future Classic
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 represents one of the last truly great naturally aspirated sports cars. With its perfect balance, thrilling engine, and everyday usability, it's a car that will be remembered long after Porsche's electric future arrives. For driving enthusiasts with the means, this is a car worth experiencing before it's gone forever.
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Final Specifications and Pricing
| Base Price | $103,795 (including destination) |
|---|---|
| Tested Price | $118,350 (with options) |
| Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
