![]() The graphics are crisp and the response times immediate, but this isn't the newest version of PCM, and this system is indeed showing its age. Onboard tech is handled by the same Porsche Communication Management software you'll find in other Boxsters, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the middle of the center stack. Step inside, and it's basic Boxster appointments, save for the generous helping of Alcantara and a couple of weight-saving measures, like fixed-bucket seats (a $5,900 option) and fabric pulls in place of proper door handles. A link to Porsche's GT models, the 718 Spyder has a small outlet just ahead of the hood to channel air up over the car after it flows through the radiator. The nose has larger air intakes below the running lights, and the fascia wears more attractive, three-opening design. Its long rear deck is prettier than the one on the 911 Speedster, the dual humps resolving cleanly at the rump with a small ducktail spoiler. The ceramic discs offer right-now stopping power, but are easy to modulate around town, even if they do give off a characteristic low-speed squeal.īig wheels and brakes are only a couple of the visual cues that set the Spyder apart from other Boxsters, and taken as a whole, I think this is the best-looking car in the 718 range. The 718 Spyder comes standard with a set of six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes with steel rotors, though Porsche will sell you the beefier carbon-ceramic setup seen here for a not-insignificant $8,000. The pedals themselves are spaced properly for heel-and-toe downshifts, but if you're not super-skilled with that art, the 718 Spyder can automatically blip the throttle for you. The gearbox offers short, crisp throws, and the clutch pedal is just the right amount of heavy. If you're really concerned about miles per gallon, the 718 Spyder is not for you. Even so, this car simply begs you to drive it harder and harder I saw numbers in the high teens most of the time. Nifty tricks like stop-start tech and cylinder deactivation supposedly help with efficiency, though official EPA fuel economy numbers aren't available as of this writing. More than that, though, I love that you can punch the throttle at 6,000 rpm in second gear and slam it into third as the needle kisses 8,000, the flat-six engine screaming behind you. I don't really care how quick the Spyder is in a straight line - though make no mistake, it's certainly no slouch. Instead, focus on the 8,000-rpm redline, and the fact that the 4.0-liter engine absolutely loves it if you rev the bejesus out of it in each gear. Overall, the 718 Spyder is a brilliant package for its near $100,000 asking price.Porsche's spec sheet claims the 718 Spyder can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. All these are minor issues that are brought in for the sake of the argument. On a tool like the 718, Porsche should have given it the transmission from the GT3. The long throws rob the feeling of rowing gears with intent. The gearing on the 6-speed manual is set tall which can be a problem when it comes to pootling around town. Although it is far better than the 718 Boxster, it doesn’t scream as a flat-six should because of the added particulate filters for emissions compliance. You even have to go through with opening the cover to access the trunk, which again will stress the struts that could end up being an expensive fix.Īnother shortfall to the 718 Spyder is its exhaust note. The struts which hold the cover start to wobble when upright. Further adding to the matter is the double-bubble roof cover which isn’t the best solution on a windy day. For starters, the roof mechanism is not the easiest or most intuitive when it comes to its operation. Part of its brilliant handling is the adaptable dampers offered as standard fitment.Īs much as the 718 Spyder is a phenomenal machine, it has a few shortcomings as well. ![]() Although the car is underpowered when compared to its fellow German rivals, we reckon the 718 or GT4 for that matter would decimate its adversaries on a closed course. Placing the car is as easy as spreading butter on a slice of bread. You get very precise steering with ample amounts of feedback. Infotainment is taken care of with Apple CarPlay and comes with a decent hi-fi.īecause the 718 Spyder has the underpinnings of the Cayman GT4, the driving experience is the best of any sports car to date. As mentioned, Porsche offers a lot of seating options of which we recommend buyers opt for the folding buckets which are comfortable whilst offering a bit of practicality unlike the fixed 918 buckets. Everything you want to see is right there in front and overall visibility is appreciable regardless of whether it’s the GT4 or the Spyder. ![]() Porsche usually nails the driving position and the overall ergonomics inside the cabin is spot on. As with any Porsche, driving the 718 Spyder is always a good feeling.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |