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Toronto 2018: 5 Porsches Make Canadian Debut

Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
Photo: Porsche
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Guillaume Rivard
Versions for purists and for sports car fans

This Thursday Porsche unveiled five new versions of its sports models in Canadian premieres at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.

The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS (starting price: $93,000 and $90,600, respectively) make use of a  2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engine that delivers 365 hp – 15 more than the S versions and up to 35 more than the old 718s with naturally aspirated engines – thanks to a new intake duct and an optimized new turbocharger. Each comes with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. The Sport Chrono package, Porsche Torque Vectoring and Active Suspension Management system that lowers the car 10 mm closer to the ground are all included standard. Notable design elements include black exterior elements and Alcantara trim accents inside.

The new 911 Carrera T ($116,500) renews the purist concept and raw sensation of the 1968 911 T: reduced weight, minimal sound insulation, shorter-ratio gear changes and rear-wheel drive with mechanical rear differential lock. Its engine produces 370 hp. Some equipment not available in the Carrera 911 are present here, including the PASM sport chassis lowered by 20 mm, weight-optimizes Sport Chrono package, shortened manual gear knob with a red shift pattern and Sport-Tex seat centre. Options include rear-axle steering and carbon-fibre bucket seats.

For its part, the Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series sends a distinctive message with its 607 hp, not to mention its limited production of just 500 units. Fitted with premium materials, the car in fact gets unique finishing produced by hand in the new Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur studio at company HQ in Zuffenhausen. Unsurprisingly, it carries a hefty $293,800 price tag.

Porsche also presented for the first time in Canada the fastest and most powerful road-ready 911 ever made: the 700-hp 911 GT2 RS. This rear-wheel drive coupe weighs a mere 1,470 kg and streaks from 0-100 km/h in – hold to your hats – 2.8 seconds! Its lap time of 6 minutes and 47 seconds on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany set a new standard for road-legal sports cars – surprising, apparently, the Porsche engineers themselves! In Canada, this Porsche will sell starting at $334,000 (with another $35,370 for the Weissach package).

Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
Automotive expert
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