The Purists have two new reasons to rejoice as Porsche adds 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder to the 718 range. Both models feature a newly developed boxer engine paired with a manual transmission.
Developed by Porsche Motorsport, both cars feature a front spoiler lip with recessed model designation, a central air outlet that channels the air over the bonnet, tinted taillights, and 20-inch wheels shod with tires measuring 245/35 at front and 295/30 at the rear. The wheels as standard on the 718 Spyder feature a silver finish, while the GT4 is equipped with wheels painted in Satin Platinum.
Other wheels are optionally available. ABS, ESC and Traction Controls, have been specifically calibrated for the cars and, as is typical for a GT model, ESC and TC can be switched off in two stages. Porsche says that the 718 Cayman GT4 is capable of lapping the Nordschleife more than 10 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Both models share the diffuser too which houses the new sport exhaust system. In the 718 Cayman GT4, the diffuser contributes to an increase in downforce of approximately 50% compared to the predecessor, in conjunction with the re-designed, manually adjustable rear wing. Side air intakes with additional side blades are also specific to the GT4.
Spoiler comes up automatically at 120 km/h (74 mph).
The brakes on both models are adopted from the 911 GT3. The standard grey cast iron rotors measure 380 mm front and rear. The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system features ceramic composite rotors measuring 410 mm in the front and 390 mm at the rear, offering weight savings of approximately 50% from the cast iron equivalents.
Both cars share a track-bred Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) setup with adaptive dampers, helper springs on the rear axle and a ride height that is 1.18-inches (30 mm) lower than on a standard 718 Boxster or Cayman. It also allows for manual adjustments of camber, toe, ride height and anti-roll bar settings. The front axle is also borrowed from the 2018 911 GT3, while the rear axle is a specific design for the GT4 and Spyder. At the rear is a standard mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV).
Inside, the shift lever is 0.39-inches (20 mm) shorter than on standard 718 models, promising a direct and crisp feel when changing gears. Other features include standard Sport Seats Plus with raised side bolsters, seat centers in Alcantara, Brushed Aluminum trims for 718 Cayman GT4, air conditioning, and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with Sound Package Plus. Options include Full Bucket Seats or electrically adjustable 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus, and upgrades for PCM such as navigation, Porsche Connect, and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Optional Clubsport package
The 718 Spyder can be ordered with the Spyder Classic Interior Package which features two-tone leather in Bordeaux Red and Black, extended Alcantara upholstery, GT Silver Metallic interior trim, and a new two-tone fabric top in black and red – reminiscent of historic Porsche racing cars. The 718 Cayman GT4 and the 718 Spyder offer the option of decorative interior stitching in Red, Silver, or Yellow.
Flat-Six returns
The newly developed 4.0-litre naturally aspirated (yes!) 6-cylinder boxer engine develops 309 kW (420 metric hp) at 7,600 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque between 5,000-6,800 rpm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The manual offers an “Auto Blip” function that automatically matches gearbox and engine speeds during a downshift; the feature can be individually activated or deactivated at the touch of a button.
The engine revs up to 8,000 rpm. When the cars are not being pushed, the adaptive cylinder control temporarily interrupts the injection process in one of the two cylinder banks, thus reducing fuel consumption.
Piezo injectors are used for direct fuel injection for the first time ever in a high-revving engine. They split each injection process into up to five individual injections. This supports a complete – and therefore emissions-friendly – combustion process. A variable intake system with two resonance valves ensures optimum gas exchange in the cylinders.
Both cars weigh 1,420 kg (3,130 lbs) dry and have identical performance figures with 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint claimed to happen in 4.4 seconds. The top speed, however, is 301 km/h (187 mph) for the Spyder while the 718 Cayman GT4 can do 304 km/h (189 mph).
U.S. prices are $96,300 for the 718 Spyder, while the 718 Cayman GT4 retails for $99,200 – both not including the $1,250 delivery, processing and handling fee.
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