The last of their breed - Porsche 718 GT4 and Spyder
Since the mid-1990s, Porsche’s Boxster and Cayman have defined mid-engine balance and driving purity. Now, the 718 series faces a seismic shift: by around 2025, Porsche plans to go fully electric, potentially spelling the end for the naturally aspirated, manual-transmission mid-engined Porsche.
Heart of the Beast: The Flat-Six
At the core of both the 718 GT4 and Spyder is a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, partly derived from Porsche’s 911 powertrain expertise. This gem generates up to 414 bhp (420 PS) and 420 Nm of torque, delivering its power with a thrilling crescendo all the way to 8,000 rpm. In an era dominated by turbochargers, the linear, high-revving character of this engine sets these cars apart.
However, Porsche didn’t stop there. Later versions of the 718 platform introduced the GT4 RS and Spyder RS, both boasting a 4.0-liter engine sourced from the 911 GT3. Despite that significant performance upgrade, these ultimate variants were offered exclusively with a PDK dual-clutch transmission, making them astonishingly quick but arguably less “pure” in the eyes of enthusiasts who cherish the engagement of a manual gearbox.
Row Your Own Gears
One of the biggest draws of the 718 GT4 and Spyder is their 6-speed manual transmission—an increasingly rare feature in modern high-performance cars. Crisp, tactile, and essential for those masterful heel-and-toe downshifts, it’s a direct link between driver and machine. While PDK is an option for both the GT4 and Spyder (and the sole choice for the GT4 RS/Spyder RS), there’s little doubt that the three-pedal setup is what endears these cars to purists.
Chassis and Handling Prowess
The 718 platform’s mid-engine layout has always been a linchpin of its dynamic excellence. By positioning the engine centrally, Porsche achieves near-ideal weight distribution, translating into superb agility and cornering stability. Both the GT4 and Spyder enhance this inherent balance with motorsport-derived suspension components, finely tuned spring and damper rates, and bespoke aerodynamic features.
The GT4 come equipped with a large fixed rear wing and a more track-oriented setup for maximum downforce while the Spyder features a convertible soft-top and a deployable rear spoiler, allowing for open-air motoring without sacrificing too much high-speed stability.
Regardless of which body style you choose, the 718 chassis remains among the most rewarding in the industry, blending everyday usability with hair-raising performance when pushed hard.
GT4 vs. Spyder: Twins with Distinct Characters
Sharing the same mechanical heart they can both rocket from 0–60 mph in around 4.2 seconds (manual) and top out at approximately 188 mph, but each model possesses a unique identity:
718 GT4
Geared for track aficionados, the GT4’s fixed rear wing and aerodynamic enhancements generate serious downforce. Its sharper suspension setup is ideal for drivers who can’t resist the occasional track day.
718 Spyder
All about open-top exhilaration, the Spyder trades some downforce for the unbridled joy of hearing that flat-six roar in the open air. Its lines are sleeker, and its roof is simpler—but that’s precisely the point: it’s built for the sensory experience.
The Electric Future Looms
As Porsche transitions the Boxster and Cayman lines to electric power, the days of high-revving flat-sixes in mid-engine platforms are numbered. This move, expected around 2025, responds to both environmental legislation and shifting consumer demands. While electric drivetrains promise instant torque and cutting-edge technology, many petrolheads worry that the raw involvement of a naturally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox won’t be replicated by an EV’s silent thrust.
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Why Enthusiasts Should Pay Attention
For devotees of analog driving experiences, the 718 GT4 and Spyder represent a vanishing breed. They offer a level of mechanical engagement that’s increasingly difficult to find, even among performance cars. And while the GT4 RS and Spyder RS might be faster still—complete with that hallowed GT3-derived engine—the lack of a manual option there underscores just how scarce a true three-pedal, naturally aspirated Porsche has become. With future lineups going electric, these cars may well be the swan songs of Stuttgart’s mid-engined, stick-shift tradition.
A Fitting Send-Off
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a mid-engined Porsche that marries high-revving, naturally aspirated power with the undeniable joy of shifting gears yourself, now is the time. The 718 GT4 and Spyder deliver a final taste of what has long made Porsches so addictive: a visceral driving connection anchored by engineering precision. Sure, future electrics will serve up mind-blowing performance and advanced technology, but the nostalgic allure of a six-speed manual alongside a howling flat-six will linger in enthusiasts’ hearts.
Should You Choose the GT4 or Spyder? The Choice Is Up to You
Ultimately, the decision between these two modern classics hinges on your personal vision of driving nirvana. Would you prefer the GT4’s track-focused aerodynamics and razor-sharp suspension for carving up circuits? Or does the open-top euphoria of the Spyder, coupled with its breathtaking exhaust note, appeal more to your senses? Whichever route you take, you’ll be in possession of a unique piece of Porsche history—one that stands as a monument to the brand’s analog legacy before the roar of combustion gives way to the hum of electric motors.
