By Otsile Kadiege

During the fourth quarter of 2021, Porsche answered the prayers of many petrol-heads by unveiling the most menacing 718 money can buy – the Cayman GT4 RS. Now, the Stuttgart-based automaker has a roadster version which should cater to the needs of customers who would like to tackle a few apexes with the top down.

High-revving naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine

The powertrain of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe. The six-cylinder boxer engine, with its cylinder displacement of 4.0 litres, revs up to 9,000 rpm and generates an output of 368 kW and maximum torque of 450 Nm. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder engine catapults the two-seater roadster from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 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 PS), but also accelerates to 100 km/h half a second faster. The top speed is now 308 km/h instead of 300 km/h. Like every modern RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is available exclusively with the Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK).

Sports suspension

The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder. 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 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.

Petrol-head drop top

The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS comes with a manually operated single-layer lightweight soft-top. The design is amazingly compact, consisting of two parts: a sun sail and a weather deflector. Both are completely removable and can be stowed together or singly in the vehicle. The entire roof, including mechanical parts, weighs just 18.3 kg. That’s 7.6 kg less than the 718 Spyder and 16.5 kg less than in the 718 Boxster. Drivers who wish to shave an additional eight kilograms from the weight of the vehicle can leave the top at home entirely, weather allowing.

Optional Weissach Package

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.

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. Designed to match the configuration of the car, the particularly lightweight case is made of titanium, the dial is made of carbon and the strap is made out of vehicle leather. The rotor on the back echoes the respective wheel rim design on the 718 Spyder RS.

Avialability

Porsche SA is yet to announce local pricing and availability. The new 718 Spyder RS celebrates its public premiere in June 2023 at the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports Cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will make an appearance at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.