• The Porsche 718 Spyder characterizes the 718 Boxster range.
• The sports car is powered by a 309 kW 4.0 liter petrol engine.
• The 718 Spyder shares its basics with the 718 GT4.
• For more auto stories, visit Wheels24
Few automakers can make sports cars like Porsche. The German automaker has been rewriting the books since the original 911 hit the market in 1964. Of course, the 911 was the successor to the former Porsche 356, but the car came and changed our expectations of the capabilities of a production sports car.
In 1996, more than 30 years after the introduction of the 911, Porsche presented its first-generation Boxster. The car was and is smaller than the 911, but it would give future Porsche owners the opportunity to experience the very best of German craftsmanship. And of course it had a price advantage over the 911. In terms of performance, the Boxster lost none of the elements Porsche was known for, and it has been improved with every year and generation.
In 2016, the latest version of the acclaimed Boxster (soft top) and Cayman (hard top) sports cars were launched, but Porsche also introduced the nomenclature “718” in the name.
2021 Porsche 718 Spyder
With age comes experience
While the Porsche 718 range was introduced locally in 2016, the car has not yet received any significant upgrades. Light updates and cosmetic changes aside, the sports car is still essentially unchanged from the car that launched five years ago. However, the Spyder derivative was launched locally in late 2020 and is the model that leads the product line in South Africa.
While some may find it strange that this model was introduced so long after it was first released, it should be noted that a Halo model like the Spyder usually hits mid-life of a car – which is exactly the case here .
READ: REVIEW | Unbridled and uncompromising – the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a sports car in a class of its own
The 718 Spyder bundles the experience that Porsche has gained over the years. Not just with his 718 family, but across the board. He rightly has to secure his place at the top of the 718 hierarchy, which is why Porsche can confidently say: “The new 718 Spyder is a purist driving pleasure machine with a lightweight convertible roof that masters high speeds, and it is the first model in the Boxster family to produce a functional diffuser aerodynamic downforce on the rear axle. “
2021 Porsche 718 Spyder
Remarkable achievement
The 718 Spyder is powered by one of Porsche’s legendary engines, the 4.0-liter six-cylinder petrol engine. The naturally aspirated engine offers 309 kW and 430 Nm of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (a six-speed manual transmission is also available). As with every Porsche, the performance figures are only part of the story, as the aerodynamic attributes come into their own in a spectacular way.
Equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), the 718 Spyder sits 30 mm lower than its siblings, which further increases the vehicle’s aerodynamic potential. It ensures that the driver gains more confidence in sweeping curves and explores the vehicle’s performance potential before it comes to a standstill. Add to this the stability management (PSM) from Porsche, and you have a sports car that surprises and rewards with every kilometer.
The Porsche 718 Spyder makes it from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 km / h.
2021 Porsche 718 Spyder
In summary
While the 911 is the ultimate Porsche for most people, the 718 family is just as impressive. And with the Spyder – and We drove GT4 in 2020 – As the headliner of this sports car series, the 718 can now drive with the best that the automotive world has to offer. The car takes and improves upon an already formidable formula, making it one of the rawest driver cars available today.
With R1 736 000 (before options), the 718 Spyder is such a complete sports car you’d find anywhere. His main focus is on the unadulterated driving dynamics, everything else is the next most important thing. The minimalist infotainment system is also evidence of a car that focuses on the driving experience.
So the question remains: is the Porsche 718 Spyder good? You bet it’s your lowest dollar!
The Porsche 718 Spyder comes standard with a maintenance plan for three years or 100,000 km and a two-year or unlimited mileage guarantee. The maintenance plan can optionally be extended to five years.