We have traveled to the Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart to see live the most radical, sporty, and powerful version of the 718, the Spyder RS
The door of a recording studio on the outskirts of Stuttgart (Germany) opens in front of me. Right before my eyes, ideally illuminated, is the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS. "How cool", I think to myself...
It is presented just 30 years after the Porsche Boxster was born and quite possibly will be the last purely combustion convertible so radical that the German brand launches.
This Spyder RS, just so you're clear, is the convertible brother of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. In fact, as I am going to tell you, he shares many elements with him.
It has virtually the same aerodynamics as the Cayman GT4 RS, but the front bumper has been shortened slightly because it mounts a larger ducktail wing at the rear for a more balanced response. But later I will tell you more details about this.
An engine inherited
from the GT3
It has the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine as the 911 GT3, delivering 500bhp. Therefore, 80 CV is more than the 'normal' 718 Spyder. It is worth it to be able to boast of being the most powerful version to date of the popular mid-engine roadster.
We haven't been able to drive it yet, but Porsche claims that it goes up to 9,000 revs and that its torque figure is 450 Nm.
Combined with a seven-speed PDK transmission (the only gear option available), it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (half a second faster than the 'normal' Spyder) and hits 200 km/h in just 10.9 seconds. It reaches a top speed of 308 km/h instead of 300 km/h.
In addition to the more powerful engine, the lower weight of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS also contributes to improved performance: At 1,410 kg, the Spyder RS weighs 40 kg less than the 718 Spyder with PDK.
Aerodynamics studied
down to the smallest detail
Having seen the engine, it is time to talk about its exterior design since there are many things to tell. As far as design is concerned, it also looks a lot like the Cayman GT4 RS.
The standard front bonnet is made of CFRP (a mix of plastic, carbon fiber, and composite) and features a large air vent above the bumper to channel airflow.
In addition, the two NACA ducts in the hood improve brake cooling without negatively affecting the Cx value. For their part, the side wings increase downforce, while the front spoiler lip, as I said at the beginning, is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
Finally, at the rear, instead of a spoiler, the new 718 Spyder RS features a striking duck-tail spoiler.
The key element of the Spyder RS: the soft top
It comes with a very light manually operated soft top. It takes up little space and consists of two parts: a sun shade (the part that goes over the heads of the passengers) and a weather shield (includes rear window and hermetic closures).
Both parts are completely removable and can be stored in the vehicle or left at home to save even more weight. And I guarantee that the assembly and disassembly maneuvers can be done without the help and without the slightest complication.
If the day is sunny and you choose not to put the hermetic part, although you are still hooded, according to Markus Atz, project manager for sports models within the 718 range at Porsche, who appears next to me in the photos, the sound it comes to you loud and clear, because the car is still open and starts at the sides and rear.
The complete soft top weighs just 18.3kg, which is 7.6kg less than the 718 Spyder and 16.5kg less than the 718 Boxster. Drivers looking to shed eight more kilograms of vehicle weight can leave the top at home, weather permitting.
Promises the best
dynamism
As I told you before, we still haven't been able to get behind the wheel. But that does not mean that he is not going to tell you how well-equipped he is to ensure the best possible behavior. It comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with sport tuning and the ride height has been lowered by 30 millimeters.
It also features Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical locking rear differential, and stiffer suspension bearings, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels.
As if all this were not enough, the ride height, camber, and
anti-roll bar can be individually adjusted. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS,
the spring and damper rates have been lowered for a more relaxed setup, which
makes sense for a convertible.
This is the 718
Spyder RS inside
The interior is reduced to the essentials, in terms of functionality and ergonomics. The grippy RS sports steering wheel is wrapped in Race-Tex and features a yellow marking at 12 o'clock. The standard integral seats are made of CFRP, just like the bonnet, and when you sit in them you immediately realize that they offer impressive lateral support.
The seat covers are in black leather, while the center of the seat is upholstered in perforated fabric in either Arctic Gray or Carmine Red. The headrests are embroidered with the 'Spyder RS logo in the corresponding contrasting color. The dashboard and trims are upholstered in leather. And optionally you can order the Weissach Package and chronograph.
Price and release
date of the 718 Spyder RS
Available exterior colors for the Spyder RS include four solid colors and three metallics, including the new Vanadium Gray Metallic, as well as Arctic Grey, Shark Blue, and Neo Ruby Blue special colors.
The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS will be available from May 10,
2023, at a price of 151,215 euros, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin
in July. It will make its public gala performance at the Goodwood Festival of
Speed, in England, at the end of June.
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