The Porsche Boxster rolled into its fourth generation in 2017. For 2019, Porsche began marketing the Boxster with the “718” moniker as a nod to its nimble 718 RSK racing cars. For 2020, Porsche introduces the addition of a brand-new Boxster Spyder at the top of the 718 Boxster lineup. The rest of the lineup doesn't see any major changes.

The Boxster Spyder features a minimalist manual soft top and twin-hump rear deck that distinguishes it from standard cars. Other special exterior touches include tinted taillights and a special front spoiler lip.

The base 718 Boxster, Boxster S, and Boxster GTS get either a 2.0- or 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine. The new 718 Boxster Spyder slots in a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-6 that makes 414 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. Shifting is done the old-fashioned way with a 6-speed manual.

In addition to the extra power, the 718 Boxster Spyder sits over an inch lower to the ground, on wider tires, and comes standard with torque vectoring. Other standard features include special 20-inch wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adaptive dampers and manually adjustable camber, toe, ride height, and anti-roll bar settings. Ceramic-composite brakes are optional.

On the inside, the 718 Boxster Spyder includes a shorter shifter and heavily bolstered sport seats. Alcantara covers the seat centers, steering wheel rim, shifter, and lower dashboard. Sport seats with 18-way power adjustability are optional. A Spyder Classic Interior Package adds two-tone Bordeaux Red-and-black leather, extra Alcantara, metallic interior trim, and a black-and-red soft top.

The 718 Boxster is an ideal weekend sports car or capable track-day toy when properly equipped.