Porsche Reminds the World That Sports Cars Still Matter and Always Will

Porsche used the 2017 L.A. Auto Show to remind the world that even among its popular crossovers and new hybrid models, sports cars still matter.

The Porsche 911 Carrera T and 718 GTS Boxster and Cayman models debuted at the show in California as even sportier versions of already sporty cars, which surely gives driving enthusiasts something to be thankful for.

The defining feature of the 911 T is that at 3,142 pounds (1,452 kg), it’s the lightest Carrera in the lineup. This purist Porsche is lighter, has a manual transmission (although a PDK is available), better aerodynamics, a standard mechanical rear diff lock, and is available with features that aren’t even available on regular Carreras including rear-axle steering, a 0.39-inch (20 mm) lower ride height, a shorter gear shifter, and more.

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What’s been sacrificed at the altar of weight savings? Fabric loops replace traditional door handles inside, some windows are now using lighter glass, and sound insulation has been reduced, which is a good thing so drivers can hear the flat six and the standard sport exhaust better. The rear seats can also be deleted to further enhance the power-to-weight ratio.

With a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six making 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, all those weight savings and performance-enhancing features add up to a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than the regular Carrera. Top speed of the 911 T is 182 mph (290 km/h) and pricing starts at $103,510 in the U.S. ($116,500 in Canada).

On the 718 GTS front, the Cayman and Boxster get horsepower boosts thanks to a revised intake and improved turbocharger. The mid-mounted 2.5-liter flat-four now outputs 317 lb-ft of torque and 365 hp, 15 more than the 718 S. Other features that sharpen performance include a mechanical rear diff lock, torque vectoring, and a lower ride height. Both manual or PDK transmissions are available, but automatic models sprint to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds onto a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). The 718 Cayman GTS starts at $80,850 ($90,600 in Canada), and the 718 Boxster GTS starts at $82,950 ($93,000 in Canada).

As more proof that sports cars and the act of driving will live on even as autonomous cars try to steal the spotlight, Porsche has made a promise.

“Porsches will always have a steering wheel because, honestly, it would be very difficult to convey the DNA of the brand [without it],” Alexander Pollich, the CEO and president of Porsche Canada told AutoGuide.com during the L.A. Auto Show. Instead of taking the autonomous route, Porsche is exploring the possibility of a car sharing option where customers would have a sort of subscription that would allow them to drive any car in the lineup and switch them up as often as they like depending on their needs.

Sports cars still matter, and Porsche seems committed to keeping it that way.

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