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Introduction to the Porsche 718 Spyder
The 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder is a mid-engine roadster that epitomizes pure driving pleasure. With a 414 hp 4.0-liter flat-six motor paired with a six-speed manual transmission, this model stands as the most powerful 718 to date. Developed by the Porsche Motorsport department, the 718 Spyder offers a blend of unfiltered driver’s car character and track-oriented performance. A brand new exhaust system accentuates the flat-six sound of the engine, which can rev up to 8,000 rpm. The 718 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 187 mph. The six-speed manual transmission features an “Auto Blip” function that can be activated or deactivated based on the driver’s preference, automatically matching gearbox and engine speeds during downshifts.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The heart of the 718 Spyder is its 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which produces 414 horsepower. This high-revving naturally aspirated engine is a hallmark of Porsche’s engineering prowess. The engine’s ability to rev up to 8,000 rpm provides a thrilling driving experience, underscored by a new exhaust system that enhances the flat-six sound. The 718 Spyder’s 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph make it a formidable contender in the sports car segment.
Transmission and “Auto Blip” Function
The six-speed manual transmission in the 718 Spyder is designed for an engaging driving experience. The “Auto Blip” function is a notable feature that can be activated or deactivated by the driver. When activated, it automatically matches gearbox and engine speeds during downshifts, making for smoother and more precise gear changes. This function is particularly useful for drivers who want to focus on the driving experience without worrying about rev-matching manually.
Suspension and Handling
The 718 Spyder is equipped with a track-bred Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) setup that includes adaptive dampers and helper springs on the rear axle. The ride height is 1.18 inches (30 mm) lower than a standard 718 Boxster or Cayman. The PASM system allows for individual adjustments of camber, toe, ride height, and anti-roll bar settings. The front axle is borrowed from the previous year’s 911 GT3, while the rear axle is a new design specifically for the Spyder. The brakes are also adopted from the 911 GT3, featuring standard grey cast iron rotors measuring 380 mm front and rear. An optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system offers ceramic composite rotors that are 30 mm larger in the front and 10 mm larger at the rear, providing significant weight savings compared to the cast iron equivalents.
Braking System
The standard braking system on the 718 Spyder uses grey cast iron rotors that measure 380 mm both front and rear. For those seeking even higher performance, the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system features ceramic composite rotors that are 410 mm in the front and 390 mm at the rear. This not only provides superior braking performance but also reduces weight, contributing to the car‘s overall agility and handling.
Limited-Slip Differential and Traction Control
A mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) helps maintain the right level of traction. The 718 Spyder is fitted with special 20-inch wheels with 245/35 ZR 20 tires at the front and 295/30 ZR 20 tires at the rear, which come in a standard silver finish. Other wheel finishes are also available as options. The car is equipped with ABS, as well as electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TC), which have been calibrated for typical GT cars. Both ESC and TC can be switched off in two stages, allowing for a more raw and unfiltered driving experience.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 718 Spyder is immediately recognizable as the most potent and track-capable model within its range, featuring unique styling elements. These include a front spoiler lip with a recessed model designation, a central air outlet ahead of the front luggage compartment lid that aids downforce and cooling, and tinted taillights. The new 718 Spyder is 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 model. A new rear diffuser not only frames the sports exhaust system but also reduces lift on the car.
Lightweight Fabric Top
The manually-operated lightweight fabric top is a key feature that contributes to the 718 Spyder’s unique character. This top is designed to be lightweight and easy to operate, allowing drivers to quickly switch between open-top and covered driving experiences. The top’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding to the car‘s overall sporty appearance.
Interior Design and Features
The interior of the 718 Spyder underscores its Motorsport heritage and driver-focused nature. A sports steering wheel measuring 14.1 inches (360 mm) in diameter is standard and features a top center marker in black. The shift lever is 0.78 inches (20 mm) shorter than on standard 718 models, offering a particularly direct and crisp feel when changing gears. Standard Sport Seats Plus with raised side bolsters provide a high degree of lateral support. The seat centers are upholstered in Alcantara, as are the steering wheel rim, the shift lever, and the lower part of the dashboard. The trim pieces of the 718 Spyder are painted in the exterior color as standard, with other trims available as options.
Seating Options
Other seating options include 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®.
Spyder Classic Interior Package
Optionally, the 718 Spyder can be ordered with the Spyder Classic Interior Package. This package features two-tone leather in Bordeaux Red and Black, extended Alcantara upholstery, Silver Metallic interior trim, and a new two-tone fabric top in black and red, reminiscent of historic Porsche racing cars. The 718 Spyder also offers the option of decorative interior stitching in Red, Silver, or Yellow.
Conclusion
The 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder is a masterclass in driving pleasure and performance. With its 414 hp 4.0-liter flat-six engine, six-speed manual transmission, and a host of track-bred features such as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), it offers an unparalleled driving experience. Its unique styling elements and driver-focused interior make it a standout in the sports car segment. Whether on the track or the open road, the 718 Spyder delivers a blend of power, agility, and pure driving joy that is quintessentially Porsche.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder features a 414 hp 4.0-liter flat-six engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
- It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 187 mph.
- The “Auto Blip” function in the six-speed manual transmission can be activated or deactivated for automatic rev-matching during downshifts.
- Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adaptive dampers and a lower ride height enhances handling and track performance.
- Standard grey cast iron rotors are 380 mm front and rear, with an optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system offering larger, lighter ceramic composite rotors.
- Unique styling elements include a front spoiler lip, a central air outlet, tinted taillights, a manually-operated lightweight fabric top, and a new rear diffuser.
- The interior features a sports steering wheel, a shorter shift lever, and Sport Seats Plus upholstered in Alcantara.
- Optional features include Full Bucket Seats, Adaptive Sport Seats Plus, and the Spyder Classic Interior Package.
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