Porsche 718 Spyder Review: The Open-Air Porsche for Purists

The Porsche 718 Spyder isn’t just another Boxster variant, it’s the most hardcore, driver-focused open-top Porsche you can buy today. Sitting at the top of the 718 range, the Spyder combines blistering naturally aspirated performance with open-air thrills, making it one of the most exciting sports cars in Porsche’s line-up.

For customers who want the sharpest handling, the most engaging drive, and the soundtrack of a six-cylinder engine screaming to the redline, this is the Porsche to have.

Engine and Performance

Unlike the four-cylinder Boxster and Cayman models, the Spyder adheres to Porsche tradition: a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine. It delivers 420PS and revs to an astonishing 8,000rpm.

Performance is every bit as thrilling as the numbers suggest:

• 0–62mph in 4.4 seconds (manual) or 4.2 seconds with PDK.

• Top speed: 187mph.

The six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard for purists, but Porsche also offers its excellent seven-speed PDK dual-clutch auto. Either way, the Spyder is raw, fast, and alive in a way few modern sports cars are.

What makes it special, though, isn’t just speed, it’s the sound and character of that naturally aspirated engine. With the roof down, the intake roar and exhaust note create an experience that turbocharged engines simply can’t replicate.

Handling: Track DNA in a Roadster

The 718 Spyder isn’t just about straight-line performance. It shares much of its chassis setup with the Cayman GT4, meaning it’s engineered for corners, not just speed.

Highlights include:

• GT4-derived suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management.

• 30mm lower ride height than a standard Boxster.

• Mechanical limited-slip differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring.

• Optional carbon-ceramic brakes for track-level stopping power.

The result? A roadster that feels just as at home carving up mountain passes as it does putting in laps at a track day.

Design and Styling

The 718 Spyder looks every bit as special as it drives. At the front, a more aggressive bumper with larger air intakes hints at its performance. From the side, it sits lower and wider, with sculpted lines that separate it from standard Boxsters.

The rear is where it really stands out: the unique double-bubble rear deck (a nod to classic Porsche race cars) covers the manually operated soft-top. It’s a design flourish that makes the Spyder instantly recognisable and unmistakably Porsche.

Lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and model-specific badging complete the look, making this a car that turns heads wherever it goes.

Cabin and Usability

Inside, the Spyder is as driver-focused as it gets. Expect:

• Sports seats with Alcantara and leather finishes.

• GT steering wheel with minimal distractions.

• Standard Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment.

It’s stripped back compared to Porsche’s luxury SUVs, but that’s the point. Everything is about driving. Practicality is reasonable too, with the Boxster-style front and rear boots offering a combined 275 litres of storage, enough for weekend bags.

Pricing and Options

The 718 Spyder sits at the top of the 718 family, with prices starting from around £74,000. But as with all Porsches, the options list is long and tempting. Popular add-ons include:

• PDK transmission (for faster shifts).

• Carbon-ceramic brakes.

• Clubsport Package with roll cage and harnesses for track use.

• Lightweight bucket seats.

Most customers will end up spending closer to £80,000–£85,000 once options are factored in.

Running Costs

The Spyder isn’t cheap to run – but no car like this is. Expect a combined fuel economy of around 25mpg, with CO2 emissions of approximately 250g/km. Tyres, brakes, and servicing costs are higher than those of the regular 718 models, especially if you plan on participating in track days.

That said, residual values are strong. The Spyder is seen as a future classic, which means it holds its value better than many other sports cars in this price range.

Why the 718 Spyder Matters

The Spyder is the pinnacle of the 718 range. Where the Boxster offers everyday fun and the Cayman S delivers balance, the Spyder is raw, intense, and built for enthusiasts who crave the ultimate open-top Porsche experience.

It’s not the most practical, and it’s not the cheapest, but it’s the car that captures the spirit of Porsche better than almost anything else. For customers who want to experience everything a car can offer, the Spyder is it.

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