It’s been a long three years.
Not all buyers were on board with Porsche’s decision to make its Boxster and Cayman models with turbocharged flat-fours instead of the naturally-aspirated flat-six engines a few years ago. Some people got over it. Some didn’t.
Now, Porsche has unveiled its 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder models with four-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine with 420 horsepower. While some features of these vehicles remain the same from three years ago, others are new.
Here’s what Porsche is featuring for its 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder models for 2020.
Let’s Talk about the 718 Cayman GT4
Both models are only available in six-speed manual transmissions. The 718 Cayman GT4 is now the only Cayman with a boxer engine in Porsche’s lineup. Its styling is a little different from the previous generation, with the exhaust pipes having more space between them and featuring a new front bumper.
An adjustable rear wing generates 50 percent more downforce than the previous generation on the 718 Cayman GT4. Both vehicles have the same front suspension and brakes as Porsche’s 911 GT3.
Track fans will love that they can manually adjust the ride height and even the sway bar settings on the GT4.
The ride height is also 1.2 inches lower than the previous generation, and its 20-inch wheels feature wider tires. The car weighs 3,300 pounds and only comes in Sport mode (no other driving modes are featured). It’s also the first flat-six engine to have cylinder deactivation, but drivers can stop this by simply deactivating the engine’s stop-start function.
Buyers of this car located in the United States will get pull straps instead of door handles on the inside. The interior is entirely black with some accent stitching and faux suede accents. However, you can opt for full leather with stitching in your choice of red, yellow, or silver.
Notable Differences in the Spyder
The top speed differs in these cars—but not by much. Top speed for the Cayman is 188 mph and top speed for the Spyder comes in at 187 mph.
Instead of an adjustable spoiler, the Spyder features a subtle ducktail spoiler. The cars are the same weight, despite the fact that the Spyder has a soft-top roof, which is manual and unclips and folds into the rear deck, which is purportedly easier to manage than the Boxster Spyder’s top.
However, no one will mistake the 718 Spyder for your average Boxster. The new Porsche’s flat-six engine purr is unmistakable.
The interior is black and red leather to match the fabric top, and you can choose your interior trim accents in the body color of the car or in aluminum.
Launching in Spring 2020 and Respective Pricing
Both cars will be available in the spring of 2020 but their prices differ by about $3,000. The 718 Cayman GT4 has a starting price of just over $100,000 and the Spyder comes in at just over $97,500. Although since Porsche is bringing this flat-six back, we’re expecting buyers won’t balk at the price. Not immediately, anyway.
Source: Car and Driver