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Think outside the Boxster

The Porsche Boxster GTS is quicker off the mark than the S variant.

_PORSCHE _ has announced an Australian arrival date and pricing for its new flagship variants of its Boxster and Cayman twins.

The Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS will sit above the previously range-topping "S" variants of each model when they arrive here in August. Each of the mid-engine two seaters will have a 3.4-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, like the S. However, the GTS version (it stands for Grand Turismo Sport, in case you were wondering) has been more finely tuned to improve power by 11kW and torque by 10Nm. This means the Boxster GTS offers 243kW and 370Nm, with the Cayman bettering it slightly with 250kW and 380Nm.

With top speeds of 281km/h and 285km/h respectively, the Boxster and Cayman GTS models are the two fastest and most powerful mid-engine sports models from Porsche. Each GTS model is slightly quicker in getting to 100km/h than the S, with the Cayman getting there in 4.6 seconds and the Boxster 0.1 seconds later.

Each shares the same fuel consumption. However, getting 8.2L/100km with Porsche's Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (aka, PDK) seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and 9.0L/100km in six-speed manual guise.

Of course, the extra performance has resulted in extra dollars being added on to the price tag. The Boxster GTS will cost $146,000 plus on-roads for the manual, making it $19,500 more than the S.

The Cayman GTS attracts a $21,500 premium over the S to come in at $161,400, while the PDK auto transmission costs an extra $4990 on both models. But you do get more than just a tenth of a second off your 0-100km/h time for your extra dosh.

On the outside, the front and rear have had some changes to the bodywork, GTS badges and blackened bi-xenon headlights. Porsche's Dynamic Lighting System, which adjusts headlights' brightness and angle according to speed, light conditions and steering wheel angle, comes as standard.

Also standard is the Sport Chrono package and adjustable chassis and suspension, allowing the driver to switch between performance and comfort rides.

The two GTS models may arrive in August but, should your interest be piqued, Australian dealers are now taking orders.

Each GTS model is slightly quicker in getting to 100km/h than the S.