Skip advert
Advertisement

Extreme Porsche 718 Spyder joins line-up

The new Porsche 718 Spyder uses the same underpinnings as the Cayman GT4, with a 4.0-litre straight-six lifted from the 911

This is the new Porsche 718 Spyder, a more hardcore version of the popular Boxster that uses the uprated powerplant from the latest Cayman GT4 to deliver even more open-topped thrills.

As with previous Spyders, the new model has a removable roof that has to be stored, instead of a set-up that folds away easily. Porsche says there’s pre-assigned space for the lid under the front bonnet.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best convertible cars on sale

Like the Cayman GT4, the new Spyder gets a 4.0-litre normally aspirated six-cylinder engine - in effect, a development of the turbocharged 3.0-litre unit that features in the latest 992-generation 911. In Spyder form it produces 414bhp, a gain of more than 40bhp over the previous iteration of the Spyder. Peak torque of 420Nm is produced between 5,000rpm and 6,800rpm, and the engine will rev right through to 8,000rpm. Just one transmission is available: a six-speed manual.

Porsche claims a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds for the Spyder, and while its top speed is slightly lower than the Cayman GT4’s, at 187mph, this still cracks the magic 300kph barrier.

The rest of the Spyder’s package mirrors that of the Cayman, so it gets 30mm lower ride height than a conventional Boxster, aluminium monoblock brakes (with the option of ceramic composite), a mechanical locking rear differential and reprofiled Porsche Stability Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring. The drop-top does without the coupe’s fixed rear wing, though, sticking with a rear spoiler that deploys automatically at 120kph (75mph).

The 718 Spyder is on sale now. It carries a suitably hefty price premium over the four-cylinder Boxster S, because it costs nearly £20,000 more - at £73,405.

Do you like the look of the new Porsche 718 Spyder? Let us know your thoughts below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025