Porsche’s midengine coupe and roadster get six-cylinder power.
An earlier version of this article stated that the Cayman GT4/718 Spyder would offer Clubsport packages. This package is not available on the U.S. markets. This post has been updated. The U.S. market pricing was also added.
Naturally aspirated. Six cylinders. Andreas Preuninger is Porsche’s GT boss. We are near Weissach and have a look at the new 718 Cayman GT4 as well as the 718 Boxster Spyder. These are official Porsche cars. Stop spreading rumors and speculations on the internet.
These sports cars are not powered by the 911 GT3’s high revving 4.0-liter flat-6, which many Porsche enthusiasts expected to fit into its mid-engine models. Instead, it is powered by a six-cylinder engine from Germany. The engine that powers the 718 twins is loosely based on a 9A2 flat-six from 911 Carrera and made on the same production line. It also features kit like cylinder deactivation, piezo fuel injectors, and a new six-cylinder engine.
Redline is at an incredible 8,000 rpm. The engine’s 414 horsepower peak at 7,600 rpm. Its 310 pound-feet torque can be found between 5,000 and 6,800 rpm. Both the GT4 (and Spyder) can reach speeds of 186 mph and 187 respectively in 4.4 seconds. Although both models still have manual transmissions, the gearboxes have long gear ratios which allow them to meet various emission regulations. The weight of the new models is almost 200 pounds more than their predecessors.
The majority of the excess fat can be attributed to things like a pair exhaust particulate filters and the installation of an automatic stop/start system that requires the addition of larger starters and batteries. Preuninger claims that the weight difference between the new cars and the predecessors is only 66 pounds. He also says that the three-figure difference in the reported homologation standards and reporting is not the result of any changes. We believe Preuninger, regardless of the actual number, when he says that drivers won’t notice any extra mass behind the wheel.
Preuninger claims that the GT4 is 10 seconds faster around the Nurburgring than its predecessor. Major aerodynamic improvements, such as a large underbody diffuser which makes 50% more downforce than the GT4’s last version, are helping the model accomplish this feat. The wheels and tires are carried over and the lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels have the most recent Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, measuring 245/35 at the front and 295/30 at its rear.
Porsche’s latest torque vectoring system, a mechanical limited slip differential, new dampers and other performance enhancements are just a few of the many. The suspension features active dampers, and the GT4/Spyder ride heights are 30 millimeters lower that any other 718 model.
You can also use parts from the GT3 parts box to build your car. The top mounts have solid, ball-mounted joints. Porsche’s GT department used conventional suspension bushings elsewhere to keep a good (i.e. To maintain a smooth on-road driving experience, Porsche’s GT department used conventional suspension bushings elsewhere.
These cars are designed for track use first. Track rats will appreciate the adjustable toe, camber and roll bars rates. The majority of buyers won’t need to pull out the toolkit and instead will press the Sport button, which will stiffen the adaptive dampers. Other dynamic tech features include an automatic rev-matching feature, and access to Porsche Track Precision App. This allows drivers to geek out about lap times.
There are many options, including lighter, more fade-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes and lighter bucket seats.
The Spyder comes with a $96,300 price tag, while the GT4 stickers are $99,200. Both prices include a $1250 destination fee. They are not cheap. We consider the Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 relative bargains, given their six-cylinder engines as well as their notable performance capabilities.