The 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder, is pure fun, 414 hp 4.0-liter flat-six motor teamed with a six-speed manual transmission drives this most powerful 718 model to date. It has been developed by the Porsche Motorsport department is offering a blend of pure, unfiltered driver’s car character and track-oriented performance. Brand new exhaust system underscores flat-six sound of the engine, which can rev up to 8,000 rpm, 718 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and can reach 187 mph. The six-speed manual offers an “Auto Blip” function that can be activated or deactivated as per driver wish to automatically match gearbox and engine speeds during a downshift.
718 Spyder is equipped with 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 individual adjustments of camber, toe, ride height and anti-roll bar settings. The front axle is taken from the last year’s 911 GT3, while the rear axle is a new design for Spyder. The brakes 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 has ceramic composite rotors measuring 30 mm more in the front and 10 mm more at the rear, providing substantial weight savings comparing to the cast iron equivalents.
Mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) helps to maintain the right level of traction. The Spyder is fitted with special 20-inch wheels with 245/35 ZR 20 tires at the front and 295/30 ZR 20 at the rear, featuring a silver finish as standard. Other wheel’s finishes are optionally available. ABS, as well as electronic stability (ESC) and traction (TC) controls, have been calibrated for typical GT cars, ESC and TC can be switched off in two stages.
The 718 Spyder is immediately recognizable as the most potent and track-capable model within its range and has its own unique styling elements. It features 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 new 718 Spyder is also 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.
The interior 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, 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. The trim pieces of the 718 Spyder are painted in exterior color as standard – other trims are optionally available. Other 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®. 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, Silver Metallic interior trim, and a new two-tone fabric top in black and red – reminiscent of historic Porsche racing cars. The 718 Spyder offers the option of decorative interior stitching in Red, Silver, or Yellow.