Porsche 718 Spyder Owner’s Guide
Four liter flat-six – check. Drop top – check. Ridiculous speed and pure driving enjoyment – check and check.
The 718 Spyder isn’t simply a step up from the 718 Boxster in the power department. You won’t find all the electronics and automatic adjustments that let the car do all the work. Instead, the 718 Spyder is all about engaging the driver and giving them control.
Interested in driving the track-ready Porsche 718 Spyder in Austin? Here’s a little more on what to expect.
The Porsche 718 Spyder Model Essentials
Many drivers consider the Porsche 718 Spyder to be the convertible version of the 718 Cayman GT4, and in many regards it is. But the Spyder is for drivers that can’t get enough of the open road. The ones that always dreamed of owning a drop-top sports car that would drop jaws. It’s definitely a beauty of a car, but the way it handles is equally beautiful.
Porsche 718 Spyder Performance
If you thought naturally aspirated flat-six engines were on their way out, think again. Porsche engineers designed the 718 Spyder for drivers that enjoy driving – not sitting back and relying on the vehicle to optimize itself.
Drivers note that even when you’re pushing the 718 Spyder it always feels controlled. It flies off the line, and the braking is just as impressive. The suspension is dialed-in perfectly to make the ride extra smooth. The one area where there is room for performance improvement is the roof. It’s a bit complicated to operate, which will mean more open-air driving.
Like the 718 Cayman GT4, the 718 Spyder has the automatic transmission PDK option with the late 2020 models.
Performance specs and features for the new Porsche 718 Spyder include:
- 4.0 liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine
- 414 horsepower
- 0-to-60 in 4.2 seconds
- 187 mph top speed
- Up to 309 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed manual transmission with dual-mass flywheel
- Manually adjustable anti-roll bar
- Lightweight spring strut front and back axles
- Electromechanical direct steering
- Variable steering ratio
- Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
- Traction control
- ABS with two stages
- Variable intake manifold
- Integrated dry-sump lubrication
- Adaptive cylinder control
- Sport exhaust system
- Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear differential lock
- Adaptive GT sport suspension
- Dynamic transmission mounts
- Porsche Active Suspension Management
- Normal mode and sport mode
- Electronic stability control
- Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)
Porsche 718 Spyder Pricing
For $96,300 you can get a base model Porsche 718 Spyder. Add carbon-ceramic brakes, the Spyder Classic interior package or other options and that price tag goes into six figures.
Tech Features in the New Porsche 718 Spyder Model
The Porsche 718 Spyder isn’t meant to be the most teched-out model. After all, Porsche is going back to the basics with a sports car that handles like it’s predecessors from 20 or 30 years ago. But Porsche did include a number of key tech features that add functionality and comfort.
The new Porsche 718 Sypder model is equipped with:
- Sport seats Plus
- 18-way seats with 4-way lumbar support
- Porsche Side Impact Protection System
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- Porsche Dynamic Light System (optional)
- Porsche Connect
- Porsche Communication Management system
- Hands-free Bluetooth
- USB port
- 2 SD card readers
- AUX input
- Internal hard drive
- 7” Central Display Screen with touch display
- Real-time navigation system with Porsche Connect
- BOSE surround sound system with 10 speakers
- Burmester® High-End Surround Sound System (optional)
- Sound Package Plus
- ParkAssist
- Porsche Vehicle Tracking System
Porsche 718 Spyder Repair in Austin
Now for the question that every driver wants to know – how reliable is the Porsche 718 Spyder model? Repairs are a part of car ownership no matter what vehicle you own, but the 718 Spyder is too new to know exactly what issues will need to be addressed. However, our techs do have insight on potential repair needs in Austin based on similar models.
- Loss of shifting due to faulty shifter cables
- Push pull cables failing
- Distorted rotor due to overheating
- Squeaking from the carbon-ceramic brakes
- Power windows not lowering
- Faulty seatbelt wiring that triggers warning lights
- Oil separator leak
- Coolant reservoir leak
The 918 Spyder has been a part of a few high-profile recalls, but so far since it’s release the 718 Spyder hasn’t had the same issues. The 718 Boxster has been involved in seven recalls from December 2016 and July 2019.
Common Porsche 718 Spyder Maintenance in Austin
If you’re familiar with the 718 Boxster, then you probably already know a little about the Spyder’s maintenance needs. Starting at 7,500 miles there are 12 regular maintenance measures that need to be taken. They include:
- Safety inspection
- Hose inspections
- Belt inspections
- Brake check
- Tire rotation
- Fluid level check
- Oil change
- Oil filter change
At German Auto Center we specialize in Porsche 718 Spyder service in Austin. Our team of techs has over 100 years of experience collectively. They can handle any Porsche 718 Spyder repair, maintenance or performance upgrade. Give us a call to schedule an appointment!
