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When you think of Porsche and its performance cars, you may think of 911s, Caymans, or even the Macan. But what about the 718 Spyder? Many sports car enthusiasts are not as widely known for this car despite being in production for decades. But with its latest version — the 718 Spyder — coming out this year, we thought it'd be a good idea to give you some insight into this rare beast. So why don't we take a closer look at this high-performance roadster from Stuttgart?

The History of the Porsche 718 Spyder

While the Porsche 718 Spyder name may not be as recognizable as the 911 or even the Boxster and Cayman, it does have a storied history. The 718 name was first created in 1962 when Porsche applied it to a line of race cars that used an engine with a displacement of 1.8-liters. This engine was created specifically for the Formula One racing series, producing around 300 horsepower in race form. The 718 Grand Prix race car also took on that name, and it was used to win multiple F1 races in the early 1960s. The 718 names also appeared in the mid-2000s, when Porsche used it as a model name for both the Boxster and the Cayman. While the name had been used in road-going and racing applications, the 718 name had been absent from Porsche's newest supercars. That changed in February of 2018 when Porsche gave the name to its newest open-top offering.

The Porsche 718 Spyder Engine

While the name of the latest 718 isn't as well known as its predecessors, its engine is certainly nothing to scoff at. Like the previous 718 models, the latest iteration of the car uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Unlike the older 718s, however, the latest version of the car is turbocharged by a 2.0-liter engine. That might not feel like a huge difference, but the newer engine is significantly more powerful than the previous 718. That's because the new 718's engine produces 370 horsepower — a 90-horsepower jump over the previous 718 — and 350 pound-feet of torque. That's more than enough power to make the 718 a thrilling sports car to drive, and it's also good enough to make it the most powerful roadster ever produced by Porsche.

The Latest Porsche 718 Spyder

The 718 Spyder's power and performance make it a worthy successor to the 718 names, but that's not all to this roadster. The car's design also makes it a worthy successor to the 718 names. With a sleek, low-slung design, the 718 Spyder certainly looks the part of a high-performance sports car. Moreover, its mid-engine layout puts the car's engine very close to its center of gravity, making it incredibly responsive. The 718 Spyder also uses a hybrid all-wheel-drive system. That system uses a traditional engine and an electric motor to power its rear wheels. This hybrid system helps the 718 Spyder achieve excellent fuel economy while providing the car with plenty of power.

How Are the Interiors of the Porsche 718 Spyder

This car may be the oldest model line that exists for the brand right now. But does not say much about it. This is because of the great combination of Alcantara and leather combination upholstery that welcomes our eyes when we first look at it. The infotainment screen measures more than six inches. It is a far cry from the widescreen touch display in the latest Porsche 718 Spyder. Still, it is well integrated into the center stack and encased in rich leather. The sports seats are inlaid with Alcantara. They are great not only for their functional design but also for their superb and unobtrusive bolstering. We also wish we could get it in the previous versions of the Porsche 718 Spyder. The driving position of the car is also excellent. But it may take time to find it as the seatback is fixed. But it can slide backward or forward for drivers with varying frames. The same can be said for the brilliant three-spoke Alcantara steering wheel. Typically, the Alcantara in a road vehicle is not that good because it is too hard on the hands over long distances. But this one is quite different.

A lot is going on here to make it very tactile. But you should not expect to find the drive mode dial when you get on the more modern models of the brand. The materials, finish, and fit of the car is top-notch. We were also impressed by the old-school air vents rimmed with rear metal. Many people will like the multi-dial instrument display also. It is mostly analog but also party digital. It has the trademark tachometer of the brand in the front and center. The door cards of the Porsche 718 Spyder have been created with Alcantara. Only the top section has been created in leather. It is premium and tasteful at the same time. Even the Alcantara shifter is a well-thought-out design piece and is well situated for its perfect feel and reach in the palm of the hand of the driver. There is little space for all the keys or phones at the pointy end of the console. The center bin is quite small. But there are pop-out cup holders and a usable glove box situated on the passenger's side. These give some consolation for drinkers of coffee. You get dual boots on the Porsche 718 Spyder.

The boot is good for more than a hundred liters, and the front trunk can accommodate a couple of bags with a capacity of more than one hundred and forty liters. Unlike the other soft tops, the roof of this car does not rob you of any boot space. But it is typically a manual operation that needs the passenger or the driver to get out of the vehicle for both the raising and the lowering.

Why You Should Get The Porsche 718 Spyder

The 718 Spyder is a special car for a few reasons. For starters, this roadster is a rare sight on the road. The latest car version saw only 9,000 units produced, making it a low-volume model. Moreover, the 718 Spyder is an excellent way to get your hands on a Porsche sports car without spending all that money. This car can be bought for around $60,000, which is a steal compared to the other Porsche roadsters. The 718 Spyder is also an excellent performance car. It's powerful and quick while also providing excellent fuel economy. Moreover, its mid-engine layout makes it extremely responsive, so it's a thrill to drive every time you get behind the wheel.

Conclusion

The 718 Spyder name was seen throughout the 1960s and '70s, but it disappeared for a few decades before coming back in 2018. This latest open-top roadster version has a powerful 2.0-liter engine and can be had for a fraction of the price of most Porsche models. The Porsche 718 Spyder is a rare sight on the road and an excellent performance car, and it's certainly worth your attention. It may be a little high on the price point. But the brand is well known for giving cars that can hold the attention of the passengers and the outside world together. Now, that is a tall claim that is very difficult to beat.