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2020 Porsche 718 Spyder: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder was an all-new open-top variant in the existing 718 family. Its headline feature was a 414-hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
About the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder
982-generation 718 family, first year for the 718 Spyder variant.
Porsche positions the 718 Spyder as a purist open-top sports car for drivers who care more about feel, sound, and balance than luxury extras. It combines the mid-engine layout and GT-developed chassis of Porsche’s harder-core track models with a lightweight manual roof and the drama of top-down driving. Its biggest draw versus rivals is the high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six paired with a manual gearbox in a compact, roadster body.
Porsche positioned the 2020 718 Spyder as a focused open-top sports car rather than a luxury roadster. It combined GT-developed suspension with a hand-operated fabric roof, a mechanical limited-slip differential, Sport Chrono, and supportive Sport Seats Plus.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 718 Spyder debuted with a 414-hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six and a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching.
Structural
Its GT-developed chassis used adaptive sport suspension lowered by 30 mm, plus a mechanical limited-slip differential with torque vectoring.
Styling
A lightweight hand-operated fabric roof and model-specific aerodynamics distinguished the Spyder and created rear downforce.
Tech
Sport Chrono was standard equipment, adding performance-focused driving functions.
2020 Porsche 718 Spyder specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 414 hp |
| Torque | 309 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.2 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic High Beams | |
| Park Assist | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Satellite Radio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Heated Steering Wheel | |
| Leather Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
What was new about the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder?
The 718 Spyder itself was new for 2020. It joined the existing 718 family as a focused open-top model with a 414-hp six-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, and GT-developed chassis hardware.
What engine does the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder have?
The 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder has a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 414 hp. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching.
Does the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder have an automatic transmission?
No. The 2020 718 Spyder launched with a 6-speed manual transmission; an automatic transmission was not offered for this model year.
Is the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder's roof power-operated?
No. The 2020 718 Spyder uses a lightweight fabric roof that is raised and lowered by hand. This design supports the car's weight-saving, driver-focused approach.
Was there a 2019 Porsche 718 Spyder?
No. The 2020 model was the first 718 Spyder model year, so there is no 2019 version of this specific 718 variant to compare with it.
2020 Porsche 718 Spyder Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder.
4.2
2020 Porsche 718 Spyder
(8 reviews)
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Spyder Cayman Gt4 Naturally Aspired Engine Mid Engine
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:9D3Bf006 E826 425E 9E0F Ed340Ac1Dca4 / Press Kit 2020 718 Spyder Cayman GT4
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:2A73C532 E5Ef 456F B068 880D2A3A1399 / 2020 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder tech specs
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster Cayman Pdk Gts Spyder Cayman Gt4 22097