Porsche Gives Downsizing The Bird With 2019 718 Cayman GT4, 718 Spyder
Porsche has expanded the 718 line-up with track-bred Cayman GT4 and Spyder variants. While other 718 variants downsized to a turbocharged flat-four engine, the latest variants pay tribute to the company's roots with a naturally-aspirated flat-six. The six in question is a mid-mounted, 4.0-liter unit tuned to deliver 414 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. It spins the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Zero-to-60-mph times remain under wraps; that's not what either car is about. We know the GT4 has a top speed of 188 mph, and the Spyder reaches 187 mph. Of course, both cars receive a comprehensive selection of chassis and suspension modifications. Some parameters -- like the camber, toe, and the ride height -- are manually adjustable. Front brakes from the 911 GT3 keep the six's power in check. Though they look different, the GT4 and the Spyder are identical under the body. Both 718s receive a model-specific body kit, sport seats, several square feet of Alcantara upholstery, and a short-throw shifter. They were developed with a focus on driver enjoyment, but they nonetheless offer basic creature comforts like air conditioning and a touchscreen-based infotainment system.
Those figures allow both the GT4 and Spyder to reach 62 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds and hit top speeds of 188 mph and 187 mph, respectively. Both models retain manual transmissions, although the gearboxes are saddled with lengthy gear ratios that allow the duo to pass various emissions regulations. Meanwhile, weight rises to more than 3100 pounds; an almost 200-pound gain over the previous models. Most of the extra fat is attributable to pesky things such as a pair of exhaust particulate filters, as well as the implementation of an automatic stop/start system, which requires the addition of a bigger starter and battery. Still, Preuninger reveals that the actual weight difference between these new cars and their predecessors is only about 66 pounds and that the aforementioned, three-figure difference is merely the result of changes to homologation standards and reporting. Whatever the number truly is, we believe Preuninger when he tells us drivers won鈥檛 notice the cars鈥?additional mass from behind the wheel.
Preuninger says the GT4, in particular, is at least 10 seconds a lap quicker around the Nurburgring relative to its forebear. Helping the model achieve this feat are major aerodynamic advancements, including a large underbody diffuser that makes 50 percent more downforce than the last GT4鈥檚. Wheels and tires carryover and the car's lightweight 20-inch alloys wear the latest Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires measuring 245/35 up front and 295/30 at the rear. Additional performance enhancements include Porsche's latest torque vectoring setup, a mechanical limited-slip differential, new dampers, and more. The suspension includes active dampers and the ride heights for the GT4 and Spyder are some 30 millimeters lower than any other 718 model. The cars also pinch elements from the GT3 parts bin. Specifically, the top mounts鈥?solid, ball-mounted joints. Porsche鈥檚 GT department stuck with conventional suspension bushings elsewhere in order to maintain a good (i.e. smooth) on-road driving experience. Nevertheless, these are track-oriented vehicles first, and track rats will welcome the cars鈥?adjustable toe, camber, and roll bar rates. Most buyers will probably avoid breaking out the tool kit, though, and will instead simply press the Sport button to stiffen up the adaptive dampers. Additional dynamic tech includes an automatic rev-matching feature and access to the Porsche Track Precision App, which lets drivers geek out on lap times and the like. Options include lighter and more fade resistant carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter bucket seats, and plenty of individual trim options. 1,250 destination charge). No, they aren't cheap. But given their six-cylinder engines and notable performance capabilities, the latest Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder strike us as relative bargains.
PORSCHE has revealed two high-performance models - the 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4. Both cars use the same naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine and send power to the road through a six-speed manual gearbox. The new 4.0-litre flat-six unit produces 414bhp - 44bhp and 35bhp more than the previous-generation Spyder and GT4 respectively - as well as 420Nm of torque. It allows both cars to crack the 0-60mph sprint in 4.2 seconds. Despite the performance, Porsche has worked hard to increase the efficiency of the engine. That鈥檚 why a particulate filter has been fitted to reduce NOx emissions, while a new adaptive cylinder control system lets the engine shut down two cylinders under light throttle, improving consumption. Porsche says both the 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder will return 26mpg under the old NEDC test cycle - which would put them at around 22mpg under the latest WLTP tests. The GT4 has been dealt a wealth of aerodynamic features, which is why Porsche says it鈥檒l generate up to 50 per cent more downforce than the car it replaces. It has a functional rear diffuser, as well as a fixed rear wing that is now 20 per cent more efficient than the one on the older car. The Spyder benefits from a new rear spoiler that automatically rises at 74mph. In keeping with the car it replaces, it still uses a manually operated hood.