An undisguised prototype of the 2020 718 Boxster
Spyder has been spied out-and-about on the Nurburgring, looking and sounding
absolutely superb. Porsche has been testing the hardcore version of its roadster for
quite some time now and it is widely assumed that the car will be mechanically
identical to the upcoming 718 Cayman GT4.
If that is indeed the case, power wil come from a
naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six “borrowed” from the 911 GT3, albeit
detuned to produce around 430 hp mark. That may be well down on the 500 hp of
the GT3, but the mid-engine layout, smaller dimensions and lower weight of the
Boxster Spyder promise to more than make up for the inferior power. What’s
more, enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the sports car will feature a
manual transmission.
Curiously, the prototype in question does not sound
anywhere near as brutal as the GT3. We’re hoping this is simply because the
driver isn’t driving the car to its limits or, maybe, the exhaust system is not
the final item.
All reports around the new Boxster Spyder point
towards it being lighter than the regular 718 Boxster. Pounds will be shed
thanks to the fitment of lightweight sports seats and the lack of creature
comforts such as air conditioning and an audio system as standard, although
customers will in all likelihood be able to get them fitted at no extra cost if
they so wish. Based on how long Porsche has been testing the 718 Boxster Spyder and
718 Cayman GT4, it’s safe to say that the duo will be unveiled before the end
of the year.
