2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder And 718 Cayman GT4 Debut With New 4.0-Liter Boxer Engine

Following last week’s teaser, Porsche has introduced the new 718 Boxster Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4.

Designed to be the pinnacle of the road-going 718 lineup, both models are equipped with a newly developed 4.0-liter boxer engine. The six-cylinder is naturally aspirated and produces 414 hp (309 kW / 420 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.

The engine is connected to a six-speed manual transmission which enables both models to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds.  The top speeds are slightly different as the 718 Spyder maxes out at 187 mph (301 km/h), while the 718 GT4 tops out at 189 mph (304 km/h). Speaking of the latter, the 2020 Cayman GT4 can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife ten seconds faster than its predecessor.

Despite the focus on performance, the engine has been equipped with an adaptive cylinder control system that “temporarily interrupts the injection process in one of the two cylinder banks” to reduce fuel consumption. The engine also has a variable intake and piezo injectors. The latter are notable as Porsche says this is the first time they have been used in such as a high-revving engine.

Besides the new engine, the cars have been given a modest makeover. The 718 Cayman GT4 draws inspiration from the GT4 Clubsport and it has been equipped with a fixed rear wing and a functional diffuser. Thanks to these modifications, the car produces 50% more downforce than the standard model without adversely affecting drag. Elsewhere, the model has a front splitter and vertical air curtains.

The 718 Spyder, on the other hand, has a unique rear lid with a double bubble design that is connected by a floating third brake light. The model also features an automatic rear spoiler that deploys at 75 mph (120 km/h). Those aren’t the only changes as designers also installed a functional diffuser which means the Spyder is the first Boxster to generate aerodynamic downforce at the rear axle.

Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a short throw shifter and a GT Sport steering wheel.  Other highlights include Alcantara upholstery, Sport Seats Plus and brushed aluminum or painted trim.  An assortment of options will be available including a Spyder Classic Interior Package that features Bordeaux Red and Black leather upholstery, GT Silver Metallic trim and a two-tone fabric roof.

Both models share the same chassis and this means they have a Porsche Active Suspension Management system and a 1.1 inch (30 mm) reduced ride height. Engineers also installed a retuned Porsche Stability Management system (which can be deactivated) and a Porsche Torque Vectoring system with mechanical rear differential.

When it comes time to stop, drivers will be happy to know there’s a high-performance braking system with aluminum monobloc fixed-calipers. Customers can also order optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes.  Speaking of options, the GT4 can be equipped with a Clubsport package that adds a steel roll bar, a fire extinguisher and a six-point seatbelt on the driver’s side.

The models are currently available to order and US pricing starts at $96,300 for the Spyder and $99,200 for the GT4 – excluding a $1,250 delivery, processing and handling fee.  While they barely slid under the six figure mark, the models won’t arrive in America until the spring of 2020.