> Powerful flat-six engine with a fantastic exhaust note
> No compromise in performance compared to the hardtop Cayman GT4
Quite simply, the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder is an open-top version of the hardcore Cayman GT4. We loved the looks of the previous Boxster Spyder, last made for the 2016 model year, but it was missing many of the special mechanical bits that made the GT4 such an appealing car. Now, though, the Spyder is a fully fledged Porsche Motorsport product, which means it gets a suspension derived from the 911 GT3 and the same 4.0-liter non-turbo flat-six engine. The flat-six produces 414 horsepower at 7,600 rpm, with a cited 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph — impressive for any car, let alone a convertible.
The roof isn't a conventional convertible top like you get in the standard 718 Boxster. Instead, the Spyder has a manually folding top, without much of the sound-deadening and insulation found in regular Boxsters. Folding down the roof only requires a few basic movements, though, and doing so is easy enough. It's also worth the effort. Opening up the Spyder adds another dimension to the driving experience you get with the new GT4, and one that is arguably even more enjoyable.
Which 718 Boxster does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one trim of the 718 Spyder, but when it comes to options and personalization, the sky's the limit. Some of our preferred options include the 12-speaker Burmester surround-sound system, Apple CarPlay compatibility (nope, it doesn't come standard) and power-adjustable front seats.
Porsche 718 Boxster models
The 718 Spyder is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive soft-top convertible sports car. The 718 Spyder is powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that produces 414 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The flat-six is paired with a six-speed manual transmission to start, but later in production, a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic will be available.
Standard equipment includes:
Porsche's PASM sport suspension (lower than the standard Boxster by 30 mm)
20-inch wheels
Sport exhaust with dual tailpipes
Mechanically locking rear differential
Six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes
HID headlights, LED taillights and daytime running lights
Interior features include:
Leather and faux suede upholstery
Cruise control
Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera
Six-speaker stereo with Bluetooth, satellite radio and two USB ports
It's only available in one trim, but the 718 Spyder offers an exhaustive supply of options. From color-matching seat belts to seat stitching in owner-specified colors, there's a lot of customization that can be done.
Optional equipment highlights include:
High-performance carbon-ceramic brakes
Power-adjustable sport seats
Full LED exterior lighting
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Optional Bose or Burmester sound system
All Porsche 718 models can now be ordered with the seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK).
Both the Boxster and Cayman 718 GTS 4.0 variants (718 Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK: Fuel consumption combined 9.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 219 g/km (as of 09/2020); 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 PDK: Fuel consumption combined 9.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 219 g/km (as of 09/2020)), as well as the range-topping 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 models, are now also available with an automatic transmission. With PDK, there are no interruptions in acceleration during gear changes. This increases the comfort of the gear shifts and improves the acceleration values. Compared with the 718 models with the manual transmission, the 309 kW (420 PS; 718 Spyder PDK: Fuel consumption combined 10.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 232 g/km (as of 09/2020); 718 Cayman GT4 PDK: Fuel consumption combined 10.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 232 g/km (as of 09/2020)) GT models – the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 – now accelerate from 0-100 km/h half a second faster, in 3.9 seconds. They reach the 200 km/h mark in 13.4 seconds (0.4 seconds faster). The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, both with 294 kW (400 PS), also improve in the standard sprint from 0-100 km/h by half a second to 4.0 seconds, and then reach the 200 km/h mark in 13.7 seconds (0.4 seconds faster compared with the manual transmission).
Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder Specifications:
▪ Length/width/height/wheelbase – 4,430/1,801/1,258/2,484 mm
▪ Kerb weight – 1,450 kg
▪ Cargo volume front/rear – 150/120 litre
▪ Engine – 4.0-litre, 6-cylinder boxer, petrol
▪ Max output – 420 PS (309 kW) at 7,600 rpm
▪ Max torque – 420 Nm at 5,000-6,800 rpm
▪ Transmission – 7-speed dual-clutch, RWD
▪ 0-100 km/h – 3.9 seconds
▪ 0-160 km/h – 8.5 seconds
▪ 0-200 km/h – 13.4 seconds
▪ Top speed – 300 km/h
▪ Fuel consumption – 13.7/8.1/10.2 l/100km urban/extra-urban/combined
