718S Nordschleife in 7:42 maybe i should forgo my Spyder and wait for a 718GTS
 

Those are incredible numbers 2 seconds shy of the GT4

It's sorta like computer equipment - the new generations are almost always better statistically. If you believe in that historically accurate fact, you'll never buy anything as you'll always be left waiting.

I bought my Spyder because it was the one that stirred my soul when I drove it - even if it isn't as fast as the GT4, GT3 or Turbo S. It reminded me of why Porsche is a a great brand and builds a great car.

Well, the fastest public time for a GT4 is 7:42, so it would be dead on. But since it's not on the public list yet, I'm guessing this is one of those Porsche supplied times that nobody can verify. What is the source?

Porsche claims a sub 7:40 time for the GT4, but nobody has been able to match that yet.

IMO Porsche has for years operated with something "better" around the corner to come, but I think this is one of those paradigm shifts where it's not necessarily something "better" but more like something "different". Personally, I would go for the Spyder unless you have to have PDK.

Honestly the thing could be running a 7 flat for all I care; still would never trade my GT4 (or Spyder if I had one) for it...... but yes, very impressive time.

Porsche claims a factory driver did a 7:42 with a 718S (certainly with all the goodies equipped supporting a good track performance). PDK, a reported more planted rear, new developed tyres and the better thrust out of slow/mid fast corners (torque provided by turbo engine) should be the main advantages over a 981 Spyder.

No surpise that a new model is faster compared to the outgoing model. If I am not mistaken a 981S also was faster than a 987 Spyder.

Since I don't get paid for doing fast laps I couldn't care less and will just enjoy my Spyder to the max ;)

Porsche has claimed a lot of times that nobody was ever able to replicate in public, so I'd at least wait to see if someone actually does it in the 'wild'. Particularly if you're comparing it against other cars. Right now, the best published time is a 7:42 for the GT4 and a 7:49 for the Spyder. It would not surprise me if the new Boxster S clipped the Spyder, but I expect it would be closer to it than the GT4.

Heck, a 991 C2S ran a 7:37.9 in Timo Cluck's hands. I don't think that makes it a more special car than a Spyder, nor would it influence my purchasing decision.

I'd rather have a slow NA 6 cylinder than a turbo 4.

I do not want to sound like a hater, but ... first year engine????? hmmm that's a lot of power from such a small engine, turbo or not. On the other hand if you want it cause you can go a little faster then get it.
The tuning potential has to be good on this new 718. I wonder why reviews of the new 718 are not out yet?

Yup.

could not care less about NS lap times as i usually drive my spyder on the street.

The faster the car the harder it is to fully enjoy it capabilities on the road....

Go for the car that gives you the best experience as an owner driver. That is the best advise possible. A (987) Spyder does it for me at the moment

Timo Kluck is an excellent driver, not many match his skills. Used to be on trackdays with him being the instructor, unfortunately he is now focus sing on his work for Porsche alone, great guy.

I had a GT3. Waited through all the delays. Kept it for 9 months. Beautiful car but frustrating on the street. Actually got bored with it on the street. Looking forward to the manual again and more street focused.

718s time is done via PDK


Spyder time was done via 6MT


Spyder time done using ****ty Pirelli


718s tyres? Unknown


7s over a 7m+ and 100+ corners track is really a tiny weeny difference


Ultimately I believe the Spyder will still be faster (6MT vs 6MT) and much more enjoyable to drive


The thing with turbo motors is they don't deliver full power on 1st or 2nd gear because there is not enough load on the engine to achieve full boost. The torque figure over a specific rpm is achieved on 3rd gear + only.

Would you have kept your GT3 if it had MT? Or, is that a combination of open-top and MT that you were looking for? Also, would you get 991.2 GT3 as it is expected to have MT?