the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: The Porsche legacy is set to extend its grasp on automotive excellence with the unveiling of the latest showstopper in its renowned fleet. Celebrating 30 years since the introduction of the Boxster concept car, Porsche introduces the most potent iteration of its beloved mid-engined roadster, thrusting a new beacon of high-octane exhilaration to the forefront of its lineage.

This beast borrows the high-revving naturally aspirated engine from the legendary 911 GT3, marking the first such integration into an open-top, mid-engined sports car.

The Crown Jewel of the 718 Mid-Engined Line

Emerging as the pinnacle of Porsche’s 718 mid-engined model line, the 718 Spyder RS elegantly blends power, design, and performance to create a sports car built for unadulterated driving pleasure. Designed to act as the open-top counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the 718 Spyder RS sports a 368 kW (500 PS) naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine.

This is a powertrain built to echo the heart of the 911 GT3. It isn’t just about speed; it’s about the feel of power under the hood, creating an emotive connection between the driver and the road. The sports car’s manual soft-top roof lends itself to a thrillingly raw driving experience, and the lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system adds an audible element of delight to the high-revving design.

Naturally Aspirated Powerhouse: Engine and Performance

The powertrain at the heart of the new 718 Spyder RS is a work of mechanical art. Borrowed from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe, the six-cylinder boxer engine boasts a cylinder displacement of 4.0 liters and achieves an awe-inspiring 9,000 rpm.

With an output of 368 kW (500 PS) and a maximum torque of 450 Newton meters, it’s not just about looking good – it’s about delivering the driving experience that Porsche enthusiasts have come to expect.

Sporting a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, this mid-engine masterpiece can catapult from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, reaching 200 km/h in a mere 10.9 seconds. The 718 Spyder RS outdoes its predecessor, with an extra 59 kW (80 PS), and an increase in top speed to a blistering 308 km/h.

A Lean Mean Driving Machine: Weight and Construction

The 718 Spyder RS carries forward the Porsche tradition of resolutely lightweight construction. Weighing in at 1,410 kilograms, the Spyder RS is 40 kg lighter than the 718 Spyder with PDK and astonishingly, 5 kg lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

Exclusive to the Spyder RS, the Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) ensures lightning-fast shifts through its seven gears, providing a seamless performance that remains unchallenged.

Air Master: Aerodynamics and Design

Impeccably balanced, the aerodynamics of the new 718 Spyder RS rival those of the finest sports cars in the world. Its front end closely mirrors the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, featuring a standard front bonnet made of CFRP and a wide air outlet above the bumper.

Two NACA ducts enhance brake cooling without adversely affecting the drag coefficient, maintaining an optimum balance between speed, control, and performance.

Design: A Harmony of Function and Style

The 718 Spyder RS sports a single-layer lightweight soft top, a testament to Porsche’s relentless pursuit of superior design and functionality. Comprising a sun sail and a weather deflector, the roof is manually operable, embodying a spirit of raw simplicity. This soft-top design lends itself to a compact aesthetic while offering pragmatic weather protection.

The sun sail can serve as a ‘Bimini top’, shielding the cabin from intense sunlight while preserving the car’s open charm. With the side windows raised, the weather deflector and sun sail together to form a barrier against rain, ensuring a comfortable ride in changing weather conditions.

Agility on Wheels: Suspension and Handling

The 718 Spyder RS utilizes a precision-tuned suspension system, incorporating components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder. Equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and featuring a sports-tuned setup that sits 30 millimeters lower, the Spyder RS delivers an unrivaled level of handling and agility.

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels further elevate the Spyder RS’s driving dynamics.

Interiors that Speak the Language of Performance

Echoing the car’s performance-driven exterior, the interior of the 718 Spyder RS exudes sportiness with a touch of class. The full bucket seats, made of lightweight CFRP with a carbon-weave finish, offer excellent lateral support, while the grippy RS sports steering wheel, covered with Race-Tex and featuring a yellow 12 o’clock marking, invites a driver-centric experience.

Contrasting colors of Arctic Grey or Carmine Red on the perforated Race-Tex seat centers and the ‘Spyder RS’ logo embroidered on the headrests add a splash of vibrancy, enhancing the car’s sporty persona.

Extra Sportiness with Weissach Package

For the discerning Porsche enthusiast, an optional Weissach Package enhances the sports car’s performance focus. This package includes exceptionally lightweight, optional forged magnesium wheels and a sports exhaust system with titanium tailpipes, which draw inspiration from the limited-edition 935 from 2018.

Additionally, a handcrafted Porsche Design Timepieces chronograph, made of titanium and featuring a dial made of carbon, is exclusively available to Porsche 718 Spyder RS buyers.

Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Conclusion

The Porsche 718 Spyder RS, with its potent power, thrilling performance, and seductive design, offers an unmatched driving experience.

“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,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of Porsche GT Cars.

This testament to Porsche’s expertise and innovation is set to premiere publicly in June at the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports Cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, and later at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

In the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS, the Porsche legacy of innovation, power, and sophistication finds a new champion, a car that stands as the ultimate tribute to its illustrious lineage. Unveiling a new era in mid-engined superiority, this car is set to capture the hearts of Porsche enthusiasts around the globe, offering an irresistible invitation to experience the sheer thrill of open-top driving.