2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder Bring Back Flat-Six Power
Porsche aims to please purists with naturally-aspirated flat-six power, a six-speed manual, and a focus on driving experience.
When Porsche redesigned its much-beloved Cayman and Boxster back in 2016, they mostly improved both products, generally speaking. We say “mostly” because Porsche also yanked the cars’ traditional flat-six powerplants in favor of four-cylinder power. This didn’t really affect performance, per se, but it did essentially remove their souls. Thankfully, Porsche is at least partially redeeming itself by turning back the clock with the new 2020 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder.
Both of these shiny new rides mark the return of flat-six power to the platform in surprising fashion. Both utilize a 4.0-liter flat-six, but it’s not the same one you’ll find in the 911 GT3, GT3 RS, or Speedster. Rather, it’s an all-new design based on the 992-gen 911‘s 3.0-liter turbocharged mill. Porsche yanked the turbos off of that engine, then bored and stroked it to increase displacement. And in the process, they managed to retain their status as the entry level Porsche Motorsports products.
Make no mistake, however – the new GT4 and Spyder aren’t slouches by any means. Both enjoy a rather stout 414 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque, with a lofty 8,000 rpm redline. Both engines feature forged internals for strength and a dry sump oil system to prevent starvation during high-speed cornering. And according to Porsche, the new Cayman GT4 lapped the Nürburgring a full 10 seconds faster than its predecessor. Which should be right around the 7:30 mark.
That’s even more impressive when you consider the fact that both the GT4 and Spyder are only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Obviously, it would have been easy to slap a PDK and turbo motor in these cars, but Porsche is clearly keen to satisfy purists here. Needless to say, they’re speaking our language.
Those looking for an excellent, unfiltered driving experience will be happy to know that both the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder are no longer limited products. That means you’ll probably be able to bring one home without paying a silly dealer markup. And with base prices of $97,550 for the Spyder and $100,450 for the GT4, they’re absolute bargains.
Orders for both of these pint size Porsches are open now. The only bad news? You’ll likely have to wait until Spring of 2020 to get behind the wheel. But we’re betting it’ll be well worth the wait.
Photos: Porsche
