DRIVE
The Porsche 718 ’ s distinctive FRONT-END DESIGN , similar to that of its Cayman GT4 cousin , is all about maximizing aerodynamics via a spoiler lip and large horizontal air intake that help generate downforce and reduce lift .
YOU HAD ME AT SPYDER
THE 2023 PORSCHE 718 CONVERTIBLE COULD BE LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT .
BY JOE YOGERST | PHOTOS COURTESY OF PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA
It may seem crazy to advocate a convertible sports car with all the rain we ’ ve had in Southern California this year .
But now , summer is here , and when the ragtop in question is the super-sweet , midengine Porsche 718 Spyder , it ’ s hard to resist the notion that this car is cool to drive — and be seen driving — no matter the season . Plus , it does come with a partially electric , fabric roof for those blustery days along the coast when the sun don ’ t shine .
To quote an old Linda Ronstadt song , just one look and you ’ re hooked . What ’ s not to love about the classic , streamlined Porsche styling ? The car looks and acts like it was engineered to turn heads on Pacific Coast Highway , makes you feel like a million bucks ( no , that ’ s not how much it costs ) and goes fast — very fast , with a top speed of 187 miles per hour . And when it finally speaks , the growl of the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine as you rev it in neutral and that unmistakable Porsche roar as the vehicle accelerates from zero to 60 in a mere 3.4 seconds makes it feel like you ’ re starting the 24 Hours of Le Mans ( although you may not want to taking a flying leap into the driver ’ s seat like they did
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