2019 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder Testing With The Top Off
Porsche testers seem to agree. A 2019 718 Boxster Spyder was spotted testing with its complex 鈥?but lightweight 鈥?soft top lowered. While the new pictures don't offer any major revelations about the car, there are a few details to behold in addition to its sleek silhouette. We do get a better look at the forward part of the engine cover. It looks very much like the last version, with humps that rise nearly to the height of the plastic hoops behind the seats. Between the seats are a tiny little wind blocker, and there's a short panel that spans between the humps to house the third brake light. Also like the old model, the black plastic areas where the top clamps down appear to have "Spyder" badging, but the badges are covered by black tape. As with previously seen Spyder prototypes, this 718 has the new black taillights with slim LEDs inside. It also has a GTS front bumper and a rear bumper with a much more aggressive diffuser and separated dual-exhaust tips. Rumor has it that this Spyder will continue to use a naturally aspirated flat-six, rather than a high-output version of the standard 718 Boxster's turbocharged flat-four. This is also supported by the fact the next Cayman GT4 will have a naturally aspirated engine. Exactly which six-cylinder will be used is the question, since it could be an updated version of the old 3.8-liter engine, or it could use a detuned 4.0-liter engine from the 911 GT3.
But, congratulations to those who own one! You're correct that the market for such products has greatly diminished. No manufacturer seems to be able to replicate that perfect blend of styling, performance, dynamics, experience, reliability, etc. You've cars that can match or surpass any one of those parameters; but, not all. Can't think of any stand-out! So, again, why is it hard (or impossible) for Porsche to build a sub-2500lb sports car (with a windshield, a passenger seat, and a top)? Porsche started as the smallest and lightest. What happened to that core ethos? It鈥檚 been documented that it鈥檚 lighter weight than the standard interior. I agree there is a lot of fluff and I鈥檓 guilty of going down that path. 鈥檚 due to safety regulations , which is BS because there are other modern sports cars that are smaller. I鈥檓 not talking about the latest artificial 鈥淭鈥?models. The 987 Spyder doesn鈥檛 have a great deal of fluff but there are a few things Porsche could have done to further reduce the weight. For example removing additional sound insulation would have been nice.
That would have brought more of the mechanical engine noises into the cabin. Also to me the exhaust was pure fluff, especially PSE. While I love how it sounds I rarely if ever drive with the valve closed so realistically the entire exhausts should have been a lightweight, valveless design that sounded good. For the price they charged this could have been easily accomplished. The 981 chassis is about as large as Porsche should consider going on these cars. If they go larger they are clearly moving the mid engine platforms in the same direction as the 911 which IMHO is way too large. It鈥檚 been over 8 years since I bought my Spyder and Porsche hasn鈥檛 produced anything convincing me to trade my Spyder. The T would be cool if they actually reduced its size, unfortunately that is impossible. It could be a generational thing too, the younger generation may not care about the lack of road feel and understanding what the chassis is doing.
Perhaps like video games they adapt to the controls and can more easily learn the correct inputs to make the car do what they want. Do you think Porsche with give the 718 spyder the same suspension as the next gt4 - based on the gt3? The 981 spyder did not get the Motorsport suspension. I don't expect the '718 Boxster Spyder' to get a front gt3 Motorsport suspension. The 'Boxster Spyder' has NOT been a collaborative effort of the Motorsport division to date. 982 Spyder is expected to be a GT product. Motorsport Division like the previous gt4? I personally feel that the 718 Spyder being a GT product is a plus. The fact that Porsche stuck the 911 R under body diffuser on the 718 Spyder leads to the conclusion that the upcoming Spyder will be a focused GT product, unlike its predecessors. Add to that, GT4 wheels with sticky cup 2 rubber. Probably also GT suspension.
All indications are leading to the 718 Spyder being the first time Porsche GT department takes control on this product. I can understand some people are worried that it might lose its canyon drive appeal. However, Im thinking that will only make it better! Better for canyon drives & much better for track use. Time will tell, but Im praying it turns out to be the first Spyder out of the GT department ! I know the GT4 and Spyder will both be sensational. But I also know they probably won't have the one change I want. A shorter ratio gearbox. I know the GT4 and Spyder will both be sensational. But I also know they probably won't have the one change I want. A shorter ratio gearbox. You are thinking PAG will not do that for reasons of fuel consumption & emissions testing government regulations? I know that gearing was a big criticism of the 981 & gt4. 987 Spyder. Does anyone care to comment on that? Quick Reply: 982 GT4 Spyder? Quote message in reply? Marketplace Parts Marketplace Vehicle Marketplace Vendor Announcements Rennnlist Help and Announcement Forums Rennlist Forum Glitches - post them here. Test posts are permitted.