Like its drop-top brother the Boxster->ke570, the Cayman->ke5 has become a well-respected performer for Porsche->ke1 since its introduction in 2006. Porsche has continued to update the car to keep it exciting, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. For 2015, both the Cayman and Boxster are getting a new range-topping trim level that adds power, better handling, and decades of heritage -- the GTS package.

The GTS package adds all the right ingredients to Porsche->ke1’s perfect recipe: more horsepower and torque from the 3.4-liter flat-six, better handling thanks to revised suspension components and the now-standard Sports Chrono package, and a unique look to set it apart from lesser Cayman trim levels.

Getting into the nitty-gritty reveals an added 15 horsepower and 7 pound-feet of torque bringing the total number to 340 horses and 280 pound-feet. Both the six-speed manual and seven-speed PDK transmissions are available. The normally optional Sports Chrono package and Active Suspension Management (PASM) on the Cayman S become standard equipment for the GTS. Still an option, but well worth it, is Porsche’s torque vectoring differential that uses a combination of braking and locking of the differential to actively put power to the ground. Click everything into sport mode and activate launch control, and the PDK-equipped Cayman will hit 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The Cayman’s top speed is listed at 177 mph for those equipped with the manual, however Porsche hasn’t released the PDK’s top speed figures yet.

Giving distinction between itself and the lesser Cayman and Cayman S models, the GTS features a number of dark-grey exterior accents, an interior that’s covered in Alcantara, and several GTS badges finished in the same dark grey.

Updated 10/27/2014: Porsche unveiled a new video in which it reveals the amazing sound delivered by the Cayman GTS' engine. Enjoy!

Click past the jump for all the details on the 2015 Cayman GTS

2015 Porsche Cayman GTS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Porsche Cayman GTS
  • Engine/Motor: flat-6
  • Horsepower: 340 @ 6700
  • Torque: 280
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy shots

January 16, 2014 - First Testing Session

Jackpot! Our spy photographers caught the hot Cayman GTS out for its for prototype testing session today, and managed to snap up a few images. From this stills, we can see that the Cayman GTS will boast a new front bumper and LED running lights up front. Around back, we can see a nice diffuser.

Exterior

Compared to the standard Cayman, the GTS has a much more aggressive front fascia. Like the adornments shared with the Boxster GTS, the two air intakes below the HID headlights sport a single, dark-grey aero fin that angles downward, then turns horizontal as it intersects a second large fin mounted vertically. The LED strip of DRLs remains unchanged but somehow looks more menacing. The center grille area also has the same dark grey accents and is reshaped in a more rectangular appearance.

Like the Boxster GTS, the Cayman GTS gets a reworked a more aggressive lower air diffuser and dark grey twin exhaust pipes. Connecting the taillights is an accent line that is normally finished in chrome, but as you’d suspect, the dark grey returns again. It also shows up in the HID headlights, more sinister taillights, and unique 20-inch wheels. It’s a look we’re quite fond of as it gives the Cayman a more powerful presence.

Cayman GTS Versus Cayman S

Interior

The cockpit of the Cayman GTS is a place of business. The majority of the surfaces normally covered in some fine leather are now sheathed in Alcantara. The steering wheel, parts of the dashboard, the center console and armrest, and of course, the seats are all Alcantara-ized. A red center tachometer replaces the black one inside the gauge cluster. The remainder of the interior is largely unchanged, including the fighter-jet/Panamera-like center console.

Drivetrain

When checking the GTS box on the Cayman order form, many things change, but the majority pertains to the greasy bits. First and most apparent is the tweaked 3.4-liter flat six. Horsepower is up by 15 ponies and torque is up an extra 7 pound-feet bringing the total output to 340 horses and 280 pound-feet.

The GTS also gets a better suspension setup straight from the factory. The Sport Chrono package and Active Suspension Management (PASM) come standard. With those packages come Dynamic engine mounts and variable damper stiffness that change with the driver-selectable settings. When in Sport+ mode, the car stiffens up, allowing for a more direct power application and crisper cornering. The throttle response also changes, allowing for a more rapid response to driver inputs.

Two transmission choices are available. The standard ‘box is a traditional six-speed manual with a third pedal and the lightning-quick PDK dual clutch unit. Both work well in the car, but each have their own advantages. Obviously, the purist will stick with the standard while those looking for faster number or those looking to daily drive their Caymans might rather the PDK. The extra $3,960 is a hefty price tag, but the benefits might be justifiable to some.

Engine

Manual

PDK

Layout / number of cylinders

6

6

Displacement

3.4 l

3.4 l

Engine layout

Mid-engine

Mid-engine

Horsepower

340 hp

340 hp

@ rpm

6700 rpm

6700 rpm

Torque

280 lb.-ft.

280 lb.-ft.

Compression ratio

12.5 : 1

12.5 : 1

Top Track Speed

175 mph

177 mph

0 - 60 mph

4.6 seconds

4.3 seconds


Prices

Starting price for the 2015 Cayman GTS is set at $76,195, including the $995 destination charge. While that’s a healthy $12,000 more than the Cayman S, the extra dough adds quite a bit. Broken down, the cost becomes rather justifiable. Add the Sport Chrono Package, sport suspension, larger, wheels, and Alcantara interior bits to the Cayman S, and the bill grows past that of a no-options GTS – yet still leaves you without the extra 15 horsepower, 7 pound-feet of torque, more aggressive styling, and desirable GTS badging. To us, the GTS seams like a performance bargain.

Porsche does offer some notable options for the Cayman GTS, including the PDK transmission ($3,960), the torque vectoring differential ($1,320), and carbon ceramic brakes ($7,400).

Competitors

Nissan 370Z Nismo

With the extra power, the future Cayman GTS's output should rival some of the more powerful sports coupe out there, like the 370Z Nismo.

Nissan 370 Nismo is powered by a 3.7-liter, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 350 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque. The only problem is that despite its 350 horsepower, the 370Z Nismo goes from 0 to 60 mph in only 5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph.

On the other hand, it has the advantage of being quite a cheap model: $43,020.

BMW M235i Coupe

Another cool model that buyers may consider in place of Cayman is the M235i Coupe. The model is powered by a 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder engine equipped with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 322 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm, and 332 pound-feet of torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm.

The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 4.8 seconds with the standard launch control activated and top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The BMW M235i is priced at $44,025.

Conclusion

Both the Boxster and Cayman GTS are formidable cars with outstanding performance pedigrees. The flat six mill’s extra grunt, combined with the sportier suspension, aesthetic upgrades, and allure of the GTS nomenclature make both cars a respectable choice for well-off gear heads. Specifically, the Cayman offers that traditional 911 look, costs half as much, and still offers fantastic performance. It’s hard to imagine a better sports car with as much legendary heritage as this one. Sure, the Cayman nameplate is less than a decade old, but it still embodies all that’s right with Porsche.