Porsche’s 718 family of mid-engined sports cars welcomes two new members with the arrival of the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4. Featuring a newly developed 420 PS (309 kW), four-litre, six-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine, these models appeal to the most hardened sports car enthusiasts as the most powerful models in the 718 range, together with the emotional appeal of a traditional six-speed manual transmission. Whilst the GT4 represents the entry-level GT road model from Porsche, the Spyder is geared towards open-top, dynamic driving on curvy routes.
Ashish Kaul, Head of Sales at Porsche India, said: “Porsche India introduces two emotional and powerful models to the market, using a naturally aspirated powertrain that is based on the turbo engines in the current 911 Carrera model series. The 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder are about unrivalled driving fun and sheer emotions. They are the perfect sports car for those who like to push the limits and enjoy a racing pulse. We are very excited to offer these purist’s models to our customers here in India. With a limited allocation for our market, the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder will be a rare and very special sight on our streets.”
At the heart of both models is the new four-litre, six-cylinder engine which spins to 8,000 rpm and generates 420 PS (309 kW). It delivers a maximum torque of 420 newton metres from 5,000 to 6,800 rpm. Where allowed, the Cayman GT4 reaches a top speed of 304 km/h, with the Spyder also passing the 300 km/h barrier at 301km/h. Both models reach 100 km/h from standstill in 4.4 seconds.
Among the striking features of the 718 Cayman GT4 is the comprehensively improved aerodynamics which produce up to 50 percent more downforce without affecting drag. The fixed rear wing is not only a visual highlight but also produces around 20 percent more downforce compared to its predecessor.
The new 718 Spyder is distinguished by a lightweight convertible top that provides a dramatic silhouette reminiscent of its famous predecessors. Unlike the GT4, the 718 Spyder has a rear spoiler that automatically rises at 120 km/h and thanks to the functional diffuser, it is also the first model in the Boxster family to generate aerodynamic downforce over the rear axle.
For the first time, the 718 Spyder benefits from the high-performance GT chassis of the 718 Cayman GT4. With its superior cornering dynamics, it provides an emotional driving experience through refined lightweight spring-strut front and rear axles that make use of racing technologies. The Porsche Active Suspension Management damping system lowers the ride height by 30 mm which also lowers the car’s centre of gravity and improves its lateral dynamics potential. It has been designed primarily for use on the racetrack and sharpens the overall handling characteristics of both models.
The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) operates with even greater sensitivity and precision but for the purists who enjoy their track days, it can also be deactivated. Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear differential lock further enhances the longitudinal and lateral dynamics as well as cornering performance.
The high-performance brake system in the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 provides consistent braking that is suitable for track driving thanks to large aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is also available as an option.
The new Porsche 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4 are available in India now. Prices start at INR 15,993,000 for the 718 Spyder and INR 16,335,000 for the 718 Cayman GT4.
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