The online debut of the two cars with manual transmission mark the return of a flat-six to the mid-engine family.
The 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder are priced from RM999,000 and RM970,000 respectively.
Sharing a technical base for the first time, both are the only model line from Porsche that features a mid-engine layout.
Featuring a completely redesigned four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine based on the same turbo engine family in the 911 Carrera model series, these new members of the 718 family have a significant increase in power compared to its predecessors – 35hp and 45hp more for the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder respectively.
With a maximum torque of 420Nm at between 5,000 and 6,800 rpm, these high-revving naturally aspirated engine mid-engine sports cars accelerate to 100kph in 4.4 seconds from a standing start, with top speeds of over 300kph.
New additions include technical highlights such 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 five individual injections to support a complete combustion process, making it as emissions-friendly as ever. A variable intake system with two resonance valves ensures optimum gas exchange in the cylinders.
Complementing the powerful engine is the dynamic rev-matching function of the six-speed manual transmission to guarantee an emotional driving experience and sporty gear changes when downshifting.
Combined with the linear power delivery and the immediate response of a GT engine, the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder will appeal to the sports car enthusiast who appreciate a high level of agility and an almost intimate proximity to the centre of power.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
The 718 Cayman GT4 features a striking exterior design with downforce-oriented aerodynamic concept that has been honed to produce up to 50% more downforce without adversely affecting drag for high efficiency.
Its improved aerodynamics benefits from the newly designed single-chamber arch rear silencer: it creates space in the rear section for a functional diffuser, which accounts for a good 30 percent of the downforce at the rear axle.
The fixed rear wing is also marked by greater efficiency: it produces around 20 percent more downforce compared with its predecessor. This corresponds to an additional downforce of 12kg at 200kph.
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 latter calms the air flow along the front wheels.
Porsche 718 Spyder
The new 718 Spyder is a machine for driving pleasure, with its aerodynamic concept fine-tuned even further.
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 guarantee a constantly low drag coefficient.
Unlike the GT4, the 718 Spyder has an active rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds of over 120kph 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.
A new feature of the 718 Spyder is that it runs on ultra-high-performance tyres (UHP) specially adapted by Porsche. These road-approved sports tyres ensure optimum grip on dry roads thanks to their size.
The sporty look of the exterior is echoed in its interior – an instrument cluster with the analogue rev counter in the centre to provide all essential information to the driver, accompanied by decorative trims in brushed aluminium and decorative stitching create contrasts whilst its door pull loops emphasise the sporty look and gives both cars a motorsports feel.
High-performance GT chassis
For the first time, the new 718 Spyder makes its debut with the same high-performance GT chassis as the 718 Cayman GT4.
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 and direct driving behaviour, and to sharpen the handling.
The height, camber, toe angle and the anti-roll bars of the chassis for the 718 Cayman GT4 can be adjusted to the demands of each individual race track.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damping system with sports setup and 30 mm suspension as standard, brings the centre of gravity of these models closer to the ground and improves lateral dynamics potential.
The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) operates with even greater sensitivity and precision here but can optionally also be deactivated in two steps for sporty handling. Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear differential lock further enhances the longitudinal and lateral dynamics, cornering performance and driving pleasure.
Optional packages
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 six-point seatbelt on the driver’s side.
The optional Spyder Classic interior package lends a look reminiscent of historic racing cars. It comes with a two-tone leather interior in Bordeaux Red/Black for the 718 Spyder.
The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is also available as an option.
Otherwise, both comes feature a standard high-performance brake system which provides consistent braking that is suitable for track driving thanks to large aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes. They are internally ventilated and perforated for optimum cooling.
Both cars also have a new sports exhaust system to deliver an even more powerful sports car sound at the press of a button. With two separated black tailpipes on the left and right of the rear diffuser, it produces a characteristic boxer sound.
