New Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder pack naturally-aspirated flat-six power and upgrades that have us looking forward to next year.
When used correctly, technology can make the world a better place. In the automotive industry, it helps engineers create safer, more fuel efficient, and faster cars. Turbochargers have contributed a lot to those last two areas of improvement. Despite that, there are many out there who prefer naturally aspirated engines, particularly in modern Porsche sports cars. If you’re one of those people, it looks as if the 2020 Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder will be worth the wait.
The gang over at MotorWeek drove both of them through the Scottish Highlands and around the Knockhill Racing Circuit. Although both cars have vastly different body styles, they share certain mechanical components. The hardcore Cayman GT4 coupe has a fixed rear wing and enhanced aerodynamics that give it 50 percent more downforce than its predecessor. Its 718 Spyder cousin keeps the elements out with a simple fabric roof and its rear end planted with a pop-up rear spoiler.
According to the narrator for the video above, both cars ride on the same chassis, as well as the front axle and suspension hardware from the 911 GT3 that allows the driver to adjust the anti-roll bar, ride height, toe, and camber. “The result is nimble handling, precise steering, and superb composure.”
The performance heart of both models is Porsche’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine. That cranks out 414 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of lag-free torque. Flat out, 60 mph comes up on the speedo in 4.2 seconds.
All of those changes add up to cars that are a treat to drive, even in less than ideal conditions. During his rainy laps around Knockhill in the 718 Cayman GT4, MotorWeek‘s Dave Scrivener says the weather “really gives you a great feel for what the car will do by itself without much driver input.” He commends the GT4’s balance, calling the special model a “lovely, lovely car to drive on a track.”
Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until at least spring of 2020 to do that, when both cars arrive in Porsche dealerships. Prices for the 718 Cayman GT4 will start at $99,200; the 718 Spyder will have a base price of $96,300.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
