Porsche has ripped the covers off the 718 Spyder RS – the topless counterpart to the first-ever Cayman GT4 RS that debuted in 2021 – which is the last model in the 718 series to be produced with a petrol engine as the next generation of the range will be all-electric.
The Spyder RS is the most powerful version yet of the popular mid-engined roadster and features a high-revving powerplant taken straight out of its bigger brother, the 911 GT3.
In South Africa, the new sportscar retails from a starting price of R3,024,000 with the first customer deliveries scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, confirmed Porsche’s local subsidiary.
Big engine, small car
The foundation of the new 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the GT4 RS, taking the form of a 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine that revs up to 9,000rpm, spitting out a tremendous 368kW and 450Nm.
Combined with a short-ratio, seven-speed PDK transmission, the lightweight convertible rockets to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and hits 200km/h in 10.9 seconds, and it maxes out at 308km/h.
Compared to the 718 Spyder without the RS designation, the new model produces 59kW more power, reaches 100km/h 0.5 seconds faster, and boasts a top speed that is 8km/h higher.
Moreover, the Spyder RS is 40kg lighter than the standard version, and surprisingly, 5kg lighter than the GT4 RS coupe, at a dry weight of 1,410kg.
Combining components from the GT4 RS and standard 718 Spyder, the Spyder RS then comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management with sports tuning that has been lowered by 30 millimetres for “razor-sharp steering precision, as well as agile and extremely neutral handling,” said Porsche.
The spring and damper rates have been reworked, too, with the goal of achieving “a more relaxed, characteristically convertible-style set-up” compared to its hard-top sibling.
It also features Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical limited-slip differential and 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.
Honed aerodynamics
The front end of the new Spyder RS is nearly an exact copy of the GT4 RS, incorporating a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) hood and a wide central air outlet above the bumper flanked by two large intakes.
There are two “NACA ducts” on the sculpted bonnet for enhanced brake cooling without impacting the body’s drag coefficient, and sideblades on the outer edge of the bumper serve to increase downforce.
However, since the Spyder creates less downforce than the GT4 it has a slightly shorter front spoiler lip, and instead of a wing, it features a “tear-off edge” in the shape of a ducktail.
The unique ability of the newcomer, naturally, is the fact that it can remove its roof within seconds allowing passengers to enjoy the endless blue sky above their heads and the wind in their hair.
The manually-operated, single-layer soft top consists of a sun sail and weather deflector and can be removed and stowed together or singly in the cargo hold.
The sun sail alone can also be used as a “Bimini top” that protects the occupants from damaging sunrays while keeping the sides and back of the passenger compartment largely open.
The entire roof, including mechanical parts, weighs just 18.3kg – 7.6kg less than the 718 Spyder and 16.5kg less than the entry-level 718 Boxster.
High-performance interior and options
The inside of the 718 Spyder RS is characterised by sporty touches such as an RS Sports steering wheel wrapped in Race-Tex upholstery with a yellow 12 o’clock marker, and lightweight CFRP bucket seats covered with black leather with perforated Race-Tex inserts.
A model-designation badge is also embroidered onto the headrests and the dashboard is trimmed with leather.
Seven exterior hues are further available spanning four plain and three metallic paints, and the track-focused Weissach Package can also be equipped for an additional cost.
This option brings an anti-glare Race-Tex coating to the top part of the dashboard, Weissach logos on the seats, a Sports exhaust system with titanium tailpipes in a design that is inspired by the limited-edition 935 from 2018, as well as the ability to add “exceptionally lightweight” forged magnesium wheels.
Exclusively available to buyers of the 718 Spyder RS is also a Porsche Design handcrafted chronograph wristwatch that matches the configuration of the car and features a titanium case, a carbon dial, and a vehicle leather strap.
Porsche 718 Spyder RS
