2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder: Review, Specs & Price

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder, a car that's not just about getting from A to B, but about the sheer joy of driving. This isn't your everyday convertible; it's a raw, visceral, and incredibly engaging machine that pays homage to Porsche's rich history while delivering modern performance. If you're even remotely a car enthusiast, the 718 Boxster Spyder should be on your radar. Buckle up, because we're about to explore everything that makes this car so special.

What Makes the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder Stand Out?

The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder isn't just another convertible; it's a love letter to the analog driving experience. What sets it apart? First and foremost, it's the engine. Unlike the standard 718 Boxster models that use turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the Spyder boasts a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six. This engine, shared with the Cayman GT4, is a masterpiece of engineering. It delivers a spine-tingling soundtrack and a linear power delivery that's increasingly rare in today's turbocharged world. The absence of a turbocharger means no lag, just instant throttle response and a surge of power that builds as you climb through the rev range. It’s an experience that will keep you addicted. The chassis is another key element that makes the Spyder stand out. It features a sport-tuned suspension, a lower ride height, and Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. This combination results in exceptional handling and precise steering. The Spyder feels incredibly planted and responsive, inspiring confidence on even the most challenging roads. It’s a car that begs to be driven hard. The design is also a standout feature. The Spyder's distinctive rear decklid with its twin humps, the manually operated soft top, and the aggressive front fascia give it a unique and purposeful appearance. It's a car that turns heads wherever it goes, announcing its sporting intentions without being overly flamboyant. The interior, while driver-focused, is also surprisingly comfortable and well-appointed. The standard sport seats provide excellent support, and the optional carbon fiber trim adds a touch of exclusivity. It’s an environment that's both functional and luxurious. Finally, the Spyder's exclusivity adds to its appeal. It's not a mass-produced car, and its limited availability makes it all the more desirable. Owning a 718 Boxster Spyder is like joining an exclusive club of driving enthusiasts who appreciate the finer things in life. In a world of increasingly homogenized cars, the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is a refreshing reminder that driving can still be an art form.

Performance and Handling: A Thrilling Experience

When it comes to performance, the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is an absolute beast. The heart of this machine is its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, producing a staggering 414 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. This isn't just about the numbers, though; it's about how the power is delivered. The engine is incredibly responsive, with virtually no lag, and it revs freely to its 8,000 rpm redline. The sound it produces is intoxicating – a symphony of mechanical noises that will send shivers down your spine. Paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the Spyder offers a level of driver engagement that's rare in modern sports cars. The gear changes are precise and satisfying, and the clutch is perfectly weighted. It's a car that demands your attention and rewards you with an unparalleled sense of connection. On the road, the Spyder is incredibly quick. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, and it has a top speed of 187 mph. But straight-line speed is only part of the story. The Spyder's handling is where it truly shines. The sport-tuned suspension, lower ride height, and Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM) system work together to deliver exceptional grip and control. The steering is precise and communicative, allowing you to feel every nuance of the road. Whether you're carving through twisty mountain roads or lapping a race track, the Spyder inspires confidence and delivers an exhilarating driving experience. The brakes are also worth mentioning. The Spyder comes standard with high-performance brakes that provide excellent stopping power and resistance to fade. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes offer even greater performance, but they're probably overkill for most drivers. Overall, the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is a performance machine that's built for driving enthusiasts. It's a car that will make you feel alive every time you get behind the wheel.

Interior and Features: Driver-Focused Design

Stepping inside the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder, you'll immediately notice that it's a driver-focused environment. The interior is functional and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a simple, elegant design. The standard sport seats provide excellent support, keeping you firmly in place during spirited driving. The optional carbon fiber trim adds a touch of exclusivity and enhances the sporty feel. The dashboard is dominated by a large tachometer, a nod to Porsche's racing heritage. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, providing all the essential information you need. The center console houses the infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen display. The system is relatively easy to use, but it's not the most advanced on the market. Apple CarPlay is available, but Android Auto is not. One of the unique features of the Spyder is its manually operated soft top. While it's not as convenient as a power-operated top, it's much lighter and simpler, which contributes to the car's overall performance. The process of raising and lowering the top is relatively straightforward, but it does require some effort. The Spyder also lacks some of the creature comforts found in other luxury convertibles. For example, it doesn't have automatic climate control or power-adjustable seats as standard equipment. These features are available as options, but they add to the car's price. However, these omissions are intentional. The Spyder is designed to be a raw, unfiltered driving experience, and these creature comforts would only detract from that. The focus is on the driving experience, and the interior reflects that. It is important to remember that despite its performance credentials, the Spyder’s interior still has a touch of luxury. The leather trim, the quality of the stitching, and the overall fit and finish are all top-notch. It's a comfortable and inviting place to spend time, even on long drives. The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is a car that's built for driving enthusiasts. It's a pure and uncompromising machine that delivers an unparalleled driving experience. The interior is functional and well-appointed, but it's not overly luxurious. The focus is on the driving experience, and that's what makes the Spyder so special.

Pricing and Availability: Is It Worth the Investment?

The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder doesn't come cheap. With a starting price of around $97,550, it's a significant investment. However, for those who appreciate the finer things in life and are passionate about driving, it's an investment that's well worth considering. When evaluating the price, it's important to remember that the Spyder is not just another convertible. It's a special car that offers a unique and rewarding driving experience. It's also relatively exclusive, which adds to its appeal. Compared to other high-performance convertibles, the Spyder is competitively priced. It's more expensive than the standard 718 Boxster models, but it offers significantly more performance and driver engagement. It's also priced similarly to other high-end sports cars like the Audi R8 Spyder and the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. The availability of the Spyder is limited, which can make it difficult to find one. Porsche only produces a limited number of Spyders each year, and demand often exceeds supply. If you're interested in buying one, it's best to contact your local Porsche dealer as soon as possible to place an order. You may have to wait several months for your car to be built, but it will be worth the wait. When considering whether the Spyder is worth the investment, it's important to think about what you're looking for in a car. If you're simply looking for a comfortable and practical convertible, there are plenty of other options that are more affordable. However, if you're looking for a thrilling driving experience, a car that will make you feel alive every time you get behind the wheel, then the Spyder is definitely worth considering. It's a car that will reward you with years of driving pleasure. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is a personal one. But for those who appreciate the art of driving, it's an investment that's hard to resist.

Final Verdict: A Driver's Dream

The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is, without a doubt, a driver's dream. It's a car that's built for those who appreciate the art of driving and who are looking for a raw, visceral, and incredibly engaging experience. From its naturally aspirated flat-six engine to its sport-tuned suspension and its manually operated soft top, every aspect of the Spyder is designed to enhance the driving experience. It's not the most practical or luxurious convertible on the market, but it's one of the most rewarding to drive. If you're a driving enthusiast, the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder should be at the top of your list. It's a car that will make you feel alive every time you get behind the wheel, and it's an investment that you won't regret. So, if you have the means and the passion for driving, don't hesitate to experience the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder. It's a car that will stay with you long after you've turned off the engine.