The range-topping models of the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Spyder are both getting a new engine — a 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six that produces 414 horsepower and 309 pounds-feet of torque. True to the brand’s roots, both models are only available with a six-speed manual transmission featuring downshift rev-matching — which can be turned off if you want to do your own throttle blipping.
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The new engine has an 8,000-rpm redline and propels both models to 60 mph in a claimed 4.2 seconds; the Cayman GT4 will reach a 188-mph top speed, while the Spyder will hit 187. Porsche also says this Cayman GT4 is 10 seconds quicker around the Nurburgring Nordschleife than its predecessor.
Another nifty feature is Porsche Active Suspension Management with adaptive damping and a 1.18-inch lower ride height than other 718 models. Camber, toe, ride height and anti-roll bar settings are all manually adjustable, bringing the worlds of Gran Turismo and Forza into real life. Both cars have standard brakes adapted from the 911 GT3, and carbon-ceramic brakes are — of course — optional. A mechanical limited-slip differential is also standard.
Both models get updated exterior looks and feature a front lip spoiler with a debossed model designation, an air outlet in front of the front trunk, a new rear diffuser to reduce lift and tinted taillights. The soft-top for the 718 Spyder is manual for weight savings and can be optioned as a two-tone red-and-black top in honor of historic Porsche racecars. The 718 Spyder also has a unique, automatically extending rear spoiler. The hardtop Cayman GT4’s side air intakes have additional side blades now, and the model’s giant rear wing is manually adjustable.
Inside both cars, there’s Alcantara faux suede everywhere, as befits two hardcore track-focused cars. The shifter in both has shorter throws than standard 718 models, and driver and passenger each get standard Porsche Sport Seats Plus. Full bucket seats or 18-way power sport seats are optional. Unlike hardcore Porsche models of the past, climate control and multimedia systems are standard instead of optional. A two-tone leather trim is optional on the 718 Spyder, and the Spyder also has exterior-paint-colored cabin trim pieces instead of the Cayman GT4’s brushed aluminum.
All this goodness will cost you a pretty penny: Before options but including destination fee, the 718 Spyder will cost $97,550 and the Cayman GT4 will set you back $100,450. Both are available for ordering now, with deliveries expected in the spring of 2020.
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