Developed by the Porsche Motorsport department, the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder represent the most powerful and engaging variants of the 718 lineup. Offering a blend of pure, unfiltered driver's car character and track-oriented performance, both models are powered by a new 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine developing 408bhp and 419Nm of torque.
Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder accelerate from 0 to 96km/h in 4.2 seconds. The six-speed manual offers an 'Auto Blip' function that automatically matches gearbox and engine speeds during a downshift. The GT4 is capable of a top track speed of 302km/h, while the Spyder can reach 301km/h.
True to their motorsport roots, the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder share a track-bred Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) setup with adaptive dampers, helper springs on the rear axle and a ride height that is 30mm lower than a standard 718 Boxster or Cayman. It also allows for manual adjustments of camber, toe, ride height and anti-roll bar settings. The front axle is taken from the 2018 911 GT3, while the rear axle is a specific design for the GT4 and Spyder.
The brakes on both models are adopted from the 911 GT3. The standard grey cast iron rotors measure 380mm front and rear. The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system features ceramic composite rotors measuring 410mm in the front and 390mm at the rear, providing a weight savings of approximately 50 percent from the cast iron equivalents.
ABS as well as electronic stability and traction controls have been specifically calibrated for the cars and, as is typical for a GT model, ESC and TC can be switched off in two stages. The 718 Cayman GT4 is capable of lapping the 'Nordschleife' more than 10 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Both the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder feature a front spoiler lip with recessed model designation, a central air outlet ahead of the front luggage compartment lid which aids downforce and cooling, as well as tinted taillights. The design of the 718 Spyder is further characterised by a manually-operated lightweight fabric top, a rear lid with two dynamic streamliners, and an automatically-extending rear spoiler designed specifically for the car.
A new rear diffuser not only frames the sport exhaust system, but also reduces lift on the car. The 718 Cayman GT4 shares this diffuser, which contributes to an increase in downforce of approximately 50% compared to the predecessor, in conjunction with the re-designed, manually adjustable rear wing. Side air intakes with additional side blades are also specific to the GT4.
The shift lever is 20mm shorter than on standard 718 models, offering a particularly direct and crisp feel when changing gears, and standard Sport Seats Plus with raised side bolsters provide a high degree of lateral support.
The seat centers are upholstered in Alcantara, as is the steering wheel rim, the shift lever and the lower part of the dashboard. While the 718 Cayman GT4 is decorated with Brushed Aluminum interior trim, the trim pieces of the 718 Spyder are painted in exterior color.
Also optional on both models - Full Bucket Seats or electrically adjustable 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus. Air conditioning and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with Sound Package Plus are fitted as standard. The PCM system can be optionally upgraded with features such as navigation including Porsche Connect and Apple CarPlay.
Optionally, the 718 Spyder can be ordered with the Spyder Classic Interior Package. The package features two-tone leather in Bordeaux Red and Black, extended Alcantara upholstery, GT Silver Metallic interior trim, and a new two-tone fabric top in black and red - reminiscent of historic Porsche racing cars. Both the 718 Cayman GT4 and the 718 Spyder offer the option of decorative interior stitching in Red, Silver, or Yellow.
