Porsche 718 Spyder RS leads the mid-engined family
Can you believe it’s been thirty years since Porsche first presented the Boxster concept? What was originally perceived by many as a toned down, less sporty option to the 911, has become very much a driver focussed model that feels every bit as accomplished on the road as the flagship of Porsche’s stable. In the 30 years since the Boxster, now known as the Porsche 718, the car has found a very strong following of passionate customers that appreciate the mid-engine configuration, styling and positioning in the Porsche line up.
Now Porsche have launched the most focussed version of the popular mid-engined roadster to date: The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS. And for the first time, the high-revving 368 kW (500 metric horsepower) naturally-aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 is being deployed in an open-topped mid-engined sports car.
The exceptionally lightweight and purist-pleasing manual soft-top roof of the 718 Spyder RS makes the highly evocative sound of the engine an even more compelling experience. The effect is further heightened by the standard lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system and the distinctive process air inlets on the sides behind the headrests.
Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder engine catapults the two-seater roadster from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The car hits the 200-km/h mark in just 10.9 seconds. Compared to the 718 Spyder without the ‘RS’ designation, the new range-topper not only benefits from an additional 59 kW (80 metric horsepower), but also accelerates to 100 km/h half a second faster. The top speed is now 308 km/h instead of 300 km/h.
In addition to the more powerful engine, the new model’s lower weight also contributes to better performance: at 1,410 kilograms, the Spyder RS weighs 40 kg less than the 718 Spyder with PDK and is actually five kilograms lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Spyder RS represents the latest high-water mark of the model line started in 2016.
Balanced aerodynamics
The front end of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is almost identical to the front end of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The standard front bonnet is made of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and features a wide air outlet above the bumper. The front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which in conjunction with its large rear wing produces higher overall downforce on the Cayman and therefore requires a larger spoiler lip to achieve aerodynamic balance. Instead of a wing, the 718 Spyder RS features a striking tear-off edge shaped like a ducktail. All aerodynamic components are intricately coordinated. They maintain the car’s aerodynamic balance and ensure maximum driving stability at high speeds.
Sports suspension of the highest precision and agility
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder and is designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads. It comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with sports tuning and has been lowered by 30 millimetres. It also features Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. The behaviour of the chassis is characterised by razor-sharp steering precision, as well as agile and extremely neutral handling. The ride height, camber, track and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, spring and damper rates have been reduced to achieve a more relaxed, characteristically convertible-style set-up.
Performance-focused interior
A sporty character defines the inside of the car too: the interior is reduced to the functional and ergonomic essentials. The grippy RS sports steering wheel is covered with Race-Tex and features a yellow 12-o'clock marking. The standard full bucket seats are made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish and offer particularly impressive lateral support.
A Weissach Package is also available for the Spyder RS as an option. The exceptionally lightweight, optional forged magnesium wheels can be ordered in combination with this particularly performance-focused equipment package. The sports exhaust system tailpipes here are made of titanium. The look is inspired by the limited-edition 935 from 2018. A visual highlight inside the car is the upper part of the dashboard covered with anti-glare Race-Tex.
Exclusive Porsche Design Timepiece
Exclusively available to buyers of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is a Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph – a premium-quality watch from Porsche’s in-house watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland.
“The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars. “The combination of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and maximum openness offers an extremely compelling and unfiltered driving experience.”
The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS celebrates its public premiere in June at the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports Cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
The new 718 Spyder RS is available for order now and starts at $314,900 MRP* with the first New Zealand deliveries expected in 2024.
*Maximum Retail Price for the standard New Zealand specification vehicle not including Additional Options, Delivery, Registration or Clean Car Programme charges.