Developed by the Porsche Motorsport department, the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder represent the most powerful and engaging variants of the 718 line-up yet created.
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ffering a blend of pure, unfiltered driver’s car character and track-oriented performance, both models are powered by a new 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six engine developing 414 horsepower and 309 lb.-ft. of torque.
An entirely new sport exhaust system designed specifically for the car underscores the exciting flat-six sound of the engine, which can rev up to 8,000 rpm. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The six-speed manual offers an “Auto Blip” function that automatically matches gearbox and engine speeds during a downshift. This feature can be individually activated or deactivated at the touch of a button. The GT4 is capable of a top track speed of 188 mph, while the Spyder can reach 187 mph.
True to their Motorsport roots, the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder 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 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 taken from the 2018 911 GT3, while the rear axle is a specific design for the GT4 and Spyder. 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, providing a weight savings of approximately 50 percent from the cast iron equivalents.
At the rear, a standard mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) help maintain optimum traction. The GT4 and Spyder are fitted with specifically designed 20-inch wheels shod in UHP tires measuring 245/35 ZR 20 at the front and 295/30 ZR 20 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 finishes are optionally available. ABS as well as electronic stability (ESC) and traction (TC) 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. The 718 Cayman GT4 is capable of lapping the “Nordschleife” more than ten seconds faster than its predecessor.
The 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder are immediately recognizable as the most potent and track capable models within their range and each have their own unique styling elements. Both cars feature a front spoiler lip with recessed model designation, a central air outlet ahead of the front luggage compartment lid which aids downforce and cooling, as well as tinted taillights.
The design of the 718 Spyder is further characterized by a manually-operated lightweight fabric top, a rear lid with two dynamic streamliners, and an automatically-extending rear spoiler designed specifically for the car. A new rear diffuser not only frames the sport exhaust system, but also reduces lift on the car. The 718 Cayman GT4 shares this diffuser, which contributes to an increase in downforce of approximately 50 percent 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.
The interior of both cars underscores their Motorsport heritage and driver-focused nature. A GT Sport steering wheel measuring 14.1 inches (360 mm) in diameter is standard, and features a top center marker in black on the GT4. The shift lever is 0.39 inches (20 mm) shorter than on standard 718 models, offering a particularly direct and crisp feel when changing gears, and standard Sport Seats Plus with raised side bolsters provide a high degree of lateral support.
The seat centers are upholstered in Alcantara, as is the steering wheel rim, the shift lever and the lower part of the dashboard. While the 718 Cayman GT4 is decorated with Brushed Aluminum interior trim, the trim pieces of the 718 Spyder are painted in exterior color – other trims are optionally available. Also optional on both models: Full Bucket Seats or electrically adjustable 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus. Air conditioning and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with Sound Package Plus are fitted as standard. The PCM system can be optionally upgraded with features such as navigation including Porsche Connect and Apple CarPlay®.
Optionally, the 718 Spyder can be ordered with the Spyder Classic Interior Package. The package 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.
The 2020 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder are available to order now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in Spring 2020. The MSRP for the 718 Spyder is $96,300, while the 718 Cayman GT4 retails for $99,200 – both not including the $1,250 delivery, processing and handling fee.
