Six-pot power returns to Porsche Boxster, Cayman

PORSCHE has returned the naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine to its Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe twins with the reveal of the new flagship 718-series Spyder and GT4 variants, priced at $209,900 and $218,800 before on-road costs respectively.

Due to launch in Australia in the first quarter of 2020, performance will come courtesy of a “newly developed” 4.0-litre flat six derived from the new-gen 911’s turbocharged unit, and produces 309kW at 7600rpm and 420Nm from 5000-6800rpm, and features an 8000rpm redline.

Paired exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox, the rear-drive, mid-engined Spyder and GT4 will sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds, while top speed is pegged at 301km/h and 304km/h respectively.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2015 Cayman GT4 that used a 283KW/420Nm 3.8-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, the new 718 GT4 is 26kW more powerful, while also matching torque and acceleration figures.

When measured on the outdated New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the new Spyder and GT4 will return 10.9 litres per 100km of fuel economy, as well as 249 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide emissions, thanks in part to adaptive cylinder control that can interrupt the injection process in up to two of the cylinder banks.

Piezo direct fuel injectors are also used in the combustion process for what Porsche describes as “a complete – and therefore emissions-friendly – combustion process”, while the Spyder and GT4 also feature a variable intake system.

However, the tricked-out tech is not limited to just the engine, as a comprehensive aerodynamic overhaul has boosted downforce on the Cayman GT4 by 50 per cent.

Of note, the larger rear diffuser alone generates nearly a third of downforce over the driving wheels in the tin-top Cayman GT4, while the fixed rear wing also pushes the derriere to the road 20 per cent more than before.

While the front profile remains largely unchanged, with a protruding splitter and curtains to calm air flow over the wheels, the overall effect is 12kg of downforce at 200km/h.

The Boxster Spyder meanwhile, loses the fixed rear wing in favour of an automatic spoiler, which is deployed over speeds of 120km/h, while the roof is “suitable for everyday use and can be stowed away under the boot lid in just a few steps”, according to Porsche.

Both the Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 share the same 718 underpinnings and feature Porsche’s Active Suspension Management damping system, 30mm lower ride height, bespoke Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear differential lock and a yet-to-be-named ultra-ultra-high-performance tyre.

Bringing the Spyder and GT4 to a halt are high-performance aluminium monobloc brakes, which can be upgraded to ceramic composite units as an option.

Also available to buyers of the GT4 is the Clubsport package that bundles a rear steel roll bar, fire extinguisher and six-point driver’s seatbelt.

2019 Porsche 718 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs