Launched in Malaysia - the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder

Piston.my

Launched in Malaysia – the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder

Four years into its product cycle, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder share a technical base for the first time. This only model line from the sportscar maker that has a mid-engine layout and comes with a naturally aspirated flat-six engine as well as a 6-speed manual transmission that enthusiasts love. The prices of the new 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder start from RM999,000 and RM970,000, respectively.

Featuring a completely redesigned 4-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine based on the same turbocharged engine family in the 911 Carrera series, these new members of the 718 family have a significant increase in power compared to its predecessors – 35 bhp and 45 bhp more for the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder, respectively. With a maximum torque of 420 Nm between 5000 and 6800 rpm, the cars can accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds from a standing still, with top speeds that beyond 300 km/h, it is claimed.

New additions include as adaptive cylinder control. In part-load operation, it temporarily interrupts the injection process in one of the two cylinder banks, thus reducing fuel consumption. For the first time ever in a high-revving engine, piezo injectors are used for direct fuel injection. Each injection process is split into 5 individual injections to support a complete combustion process, making it emissions-friendly. A variable intake system with two resonance valves ensures optimum gas exchange in the cylinders.

The 718 Cayman GT4
The bodywork has been ‘tuned’ to produce up to 50% more downforce. Sometimes more downforce can create additional drag, but this is said to not be the case with the Cayman GT4. The comprehensively improved aerodynamics concept benefits enormously from the newly designed single-chamber arch rear silencer. This creates space in the rear section for a functional diffuser, which accounts for a good 30% of the downforce at the rear axle.

The front section, which is optimised in the GT style, maintains the aerodynamic balance with a large front spoiler lip and so-called air curtains. The fixed rear wing also generates about 20% more downforce compared with its predecessor. This corresponds to an additional downforce of 12 kgs – for a total of around 70 kgs – at 200 km/h.

The 718 Spyder
The new 718 Spyder is offer topless motoring but without the disadvantages that not having a roof causes. In fact, with the latest aerodynamic tuning, the 718 Spyder slips through the air more efficiently as well as generating more downforce. At the front, the new honeycomb air intake grilles have been designed to increase airflow by reducing obstructions.

The distinctive front spoiler lip with recessed ‘Spyder’ lettering and the central air intake in the front end directs the air upwards through the air outlet opening in front of the front lid to assist in reducing lift at the front axle.

This is further complemented by the golf-ball like profiled surface below the front end to maintain a constantly low drag coefficient. Unlike the GT4, the 718 Spyder possesses a distinctive rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds over 120 km/h, which helps to reduce lift for more driving stability. Thanks to the functional diffuser, it is the first model in the Boxster family to generate aerodynamic downforce at the rear axle.

High-performance GT chassis
For the first time ever, the 718 Spyder rides on the same GT chassis as the 718 Cayman GT4. An ideal foundation for maximum performance, its further refined lightweight spring-strut front and rear axles make use of racing technologies.

The direct connection to the chassis is partially by means of ball joints ensuring a firm connection of the chassis to the body, resulting in precise, sharper and direct driving behaviour. The height, camber, toe angle and the anti-roll bars of the chassis for the Cayman GT4 can be adjusted to the demands of each individual racetrack.

The Porsche Active Suspension Management damping system with sports set-up and 30 mm suspension as standard, brings the centre of gravity of these models significantly closer to the ground and improves lateral dynamics.

The Porsche Stability Management system now operates with even greater sensitivity and precision. A skilled driver can optionally deactivate it for sportier handling. Also present is Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear differential lock that enhances the longitudinal and lateral dynamics, enabling a driver to take corners more confidently.

The latest 718 Spyder runs on ultra-high-performance tyres specially adapted by Porsche. These road-approved sports tyres are complemented by a high-performance brake system that is suitable for track driving. The large aluminium monobloc fixed-caliper brakes are internally ventilated and perforated for optimum cooling. For those who want the ultimate in stopping (or deceleration) performance, there is the optionally-available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system.

And finally, the new sports exhaust system with two separated black tailpipes. This has even more powerful sportscar sound which is available with the press of a button.

Performance-oriented interior design
The sportiness of the exterior is mirrored in the cabin with the familiar Porsche cues visible all around. The instrument cluster has an analogue tachometer in the centre, emphasising the racing heritage of Porsches. Decorative trims in brushed aluminium and decorative stitching provide visual contrasts whilst the puristic door-pull loops are a classic touch.

Optional packages available
The 718 Cayman GT4 can be equipped with the optional Clubsport package. With its components derived from professional motorsport, the Clubsport package provides additional protection on the racetrack. This includes a rear steel roll bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher and a 6-point seatbelt on the driver’s side.

The optional Spyder Classic interior package lends an extravagant look to the interior while also being reminiscent of historic racing cars. The two-tone leather interior in Bordeaux Red/Black gives an especially unique and high quality look and feel to the entire interior of the 718 Spyder.