Porsche has revealed the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4. These come in as the new flagship models for the sports car range, with an Australia arrival penned in for early next year.
Starting with the 718 Spyder. This is the successor to the old Boxster Spyder, featuring a unique lightweight soft-top roof and rear buttress. The roof is manually-operated and requires “just a few steps” to remove or install. Once removed, the roof can be stowed under the boot.
Porsche promises the roof is capable of withstanding top speeds, while an automatically deploying rear spoiler activates at 120km/h to ensure stability. This, along with an aggressive diffuser section underneath, helps the 718 Spyder create downforce and more grip than the regular 718 Boxster (GTS review here). In fact, Porsche says this setup is the first in the Boxster family to generate aero downforce for the rear axle.
As for the 718 Cayman GT4, this is the hardcore track-ready variant. It comes with a unique aerodynamics package that produces up to 50 per cent more downforce at speed than the predecessor. The rear wing alone is an all-new item and produces 20 per cent more downforce.
Both new models are powered by a freshly-developed 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine. Engineers used the turbo engine found in the latest 911 as a base, while fitting higher performance internals to help create a pure performance machine.
As a result, the engine produces an impressive 309kW and 420Nm, and is capable of revving to 8000rpm. Matched to the engine is a six-speed manual transmission with rear-wheel drive. As you can imagine, bolted into the lightweight sports cars, this engine provides serious acceleration. Porsche claims both can conquer 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.
To ensure superb overall performance, both models come equipped with large brakes featuring aluminium monoblock calipers. Customers can also go for the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) option for more serious driving.
Both models adopt the same GT chassis tune, with lightweight spring struts at the front and rear axles like on a racing car. The components are directly connected to the chassis by ball joints for immediate driving response. There’s also Porsche Active Suspension Management with the ride height lowered 30mm over the regular models, while a mechanical differential lock with Porsche Torque Vectoring further improves precision and control.
Porsche Australia says the new models are available to order now, with the first deliveries scheduled to arrive from the first quarter of 2020. Prices start from $209,000 for the 718 Spyder, and from $218,800 for the 718 Cayman GT4 (excluding on-road costs).
