Introduction – From Evo Magazine, 19 August 2019
Last time out the Porsche Boxster Spyder was a very different car from the Cayman GT4 on which it wasn’t based. Instead it was basically a restyled Boxster GTS, not that there was a great deal wrong with that. Point is, though, it was nowhere near as focused in its chassis and suspension design as its fixed head brother with the big wing on the back.
This time, however, the 718 Spyder is exactly the same as a GT4 beneath its knee-tremblingly beautiful new skin. Same 4.0-litre flat six 992-based engine that revs to 8000rpm, same six-speed manual gearbox with auto blip on the downshifts and, most important of all, exactly the same GT3-inspired chassis, suspension, steering and brakes.
The only real difference between the Spyder and GT4 this time is the aerodynamic package. On aesthetic grounds Porsche decided not to fit the Spyder with a big rear wing (correct decision) and has instead gone for a smaller wing that retracts back into the rear bodywork at low speeds, plus the front splitter is nowhere near as pronounced. So the Spyder generates no lift as such, but also no downforce. Unlike the GT4.
The flip side is that the Spyder looks drop dead gorgeous in the flesh (as does the GT4 to be fair, though for different reasons) and the hood – still a mostly manual affair, so still a bit of a palaver to raise or lower to be honest – allows you to engage with the elements that much more viscerally. It also means you can hear the flat six more clearly on the move, which is a pleasure never to be underestimated.
The 718 Spyder is powered by the exact same 4.0-litre atmospheric flat six that propels the GT4. It produces 414bhp and can rev to 8000rpm. Maximum torque of 310lb ft is developed between 5000-6800rpm, and if you’re wondering about its heritage the engine is actually a development of the new 992’s 3.0-lite flat six turbo. In this case it’s been bored out to 4.0-litres (the stroke remains unchanged from the 992’s motor) and its turbos have been removed. Like the GT4, it also features cylinder de-activation at light or zero throttle loads where it goes on to three cylinders to improve fuel consumption.
The gearbox is a six-speed manual with the same unusually long ratios in first and second as the GT4; it will do 85mph in second gear. The ‘box features a switchable auto blip function on downshifts that works a treat in practice, while the gear lever itself is also shorter than before for more precise movements.
Give or take a kilo here or there, the new Spyder weighs exactly the same at a GT4, which means it weighs a touch more than it used to. Porsche admits that the kerb-weight has unfortunately risen to 1420kg due mainly to the fitment of new particulate filters in the huge new rear silencer. These will however keep it emissions friendly for many years to come.
Description
An incredibly highly specified 718 Spyder with the all important Manual gearbox, it also benefits from Ceramic Brakes, the Sports version of Buckets seat which are therefore also heated, and even Burmester Audio.
As per Evo’s opinion above, the 718 Spyder was a big step forward from the previous version, with Porsche pitching it much more like a Cayman GT4 with a soft top than the previous car, every magazine lauding it without exception as a 5 star car.
This example has been lightly used and is only available as it has been replaced with a new 911 Targa.
Finished in the Carrera GT hue of GT Silver which suits the car perfectly, subtle and understated it contrasts perfectly with the black hood and other external trim.
Specification
GT Silver Metallic
Black Full Leather
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB)
Burmester Surround Sound
Sports Bucket Seats
Heated Seats
Cruise Control
Coloured Wheel Centres
Model Designation, Rear, Painted Black
2-Zone Climate Control
Passenger Footwell Storage Net
Smoking Package
Light Design Package
Speed Limit Indicator
Rear Parking Assistance
Reversing Camera
Folding Mirrors
Brushed Aluminium Interior Package
Auto Dimming Mirrors with Rain Sensor
Bi-Xenon Headlamps in Black with PDLS
Storage Compartment Lid in Alcantara
Leather Sun Visors
Steering Column Casing Leather
Seat Belts in Silver Grey
Contrast Stitching in Silver Grey
Headlamp Cleaning Covers in GT Silver
Stainless Steel, Illuminated Door Entry Guards
Service History
Supplied New by Porsche Centre Solihull on 20 December 2019
Intermediate Maintenance by RPM Technik on 20 June 2022 @ 6,240 Miles
Balance of Porsche Warranty to 20 December 2022
3 Owners
Viewings are by Appointment Only, Please contact us to arrange.