Spyder RS revealed
718’s final fling with internal combustion is a roadster equivalent to the hardcore Cayman GT4 RS
JUST AS WE RECOVER FROM THE HYPE around the Cayman GT4 RS, the RS badge is back again – and for the first time it’s on a Boxster. Revealed 30 years after the original Boxster concept made its debut, the 718 Spyder RS is a convertible counterpart to the hardcore Cayman, pairing Stuttgart’s finest flat-six with a pint-sized, lightweight roadster. Not only is it the most powerful iteration of Porsche’s mid-engined drop-top so far, it’s also said to be the very last 718 model that will feature a combustion engine.
At its core is the 4-litre naturally aspirated flat-six found in the Cayman GT4 RS (and all 992 GT3 models for that matter). Spinning to the same spectacular 9000rpm red line, 1000rpm higher than the regular, £80,200 718 Spyder, it produces 493bhp at a heady 8400rpm – an additional 79bhp over the standard Spyder – with 332lb ft torque at 6750rpm.
Alongside a spine-tingling soundtrack from its lightweight stainless steel exhaust system and bespoke air intakes, the latter relocated to sit just behind the occupants’ outer shoulders, the big flatsix makes for some impressive performance stats. The Spyder RS reaches 62mph from standstill in the same 3.4sec as the Cayman GT4 RS (half a second quicker than the standard 718 Spyder) and goes on to a 191mph top speed – 5mph down on the coupe version but 5mph up on the non-rs Spyder.
As in the GT4 RS, the new model is equipped with a seven-speed PDK transmission only, modified with the final drive from the 991.2 GT3 RS and shortened ratios, designed to improve in-gear acceleration and rid the range-topper of the standard car’s overly long gearing. The GT4 RS has proved that, although not perfect, these tweaks go some way to resolving the 718’s gearing issues, allowing full exploitation of its incredible powerplant at more sane speeds. A mechanical locking differential is also standard.
In terms of design the front of the Spyder RS is near-identical to its Cayman relative, adopting the same carbonfibre bonnet with dual NACA ducts. Perhaps the most notable design change (aside from the lack of a roof) is the use of a low-profile ducktail spoiler as opposed to the motorsport-inspired wing of the Cayman. With this ducktail spoiler producing less downforce at the rear than on the GT4 RS, Porsche has reduced the size of the front splitter to maintain the required level of aerodynamic balance.
As with the regular 718 Spyder, the RS comes with a single-layer, manual soft-top roof, but Porsche has made numerous changes in the pursuit of lowering the kerb weight. Now comprising two parts, the ‘sun sail’ can be used as a bimini top for protection from the sun, leaving the sides and rear open to the elements. With the ‘weather protector’ in place, the cabin becomes enclosed, offering full protection from the elements. In total, the unit weighs 7.6kg less than the 718 Spyder’s at 18.3kg, with an additional 8kg to be saved if you’re feeling confident in the weather forecast and leave the protection at home.
The new RS utilises Macpherson struts at all four corners, as in the standard car and the GT4 RS, but the geometry is entirely new. Coming as standard with electronically controlled Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) dampers, the ride height is 30mm lower than a regular Boxster’s, while the camber, tracking and anti-roll bar settings are manually adjustable, as per the GT4 RS.
One complaint we have with the Cayman GT4 RS is its high spring and damper rates, making driving on the UK’S more uneven roads less than ideal. For the Spyder RS, though, Porsche has reduced spring and damper rates for a more relaxed set-up in line with the typical use case for a convertible, potentially making it a very attractive proposition indeed.
Behind its 20-inch wheels are six-piston calipers acting upon 408mm discs at the front, with four-piston, 380mm units on the rear axle. This arrangement should have no issue stopping the Spyder RS, particularly as it weighs 10kg less than its coupe counterpart at 1410kg.
The cabin is typically Porsche RS, with unnecessary amenities swapped for a substantial helping of carbonfibre and Race-tex, Porsche’s Alcantara alternative. Exposed carbonfibre bucket seats have their faces upholstered in black leather with a perforated Race-tex centre and embroidered Spyder RS logos in the headrests. The dashboard is leather-trimmed as standard, but opt for the Weissach package and this too is wrapped with Race-tex to reduce any glare.
Given its status as the final combustion-powered 718 model and Stuttgart’s most focused seriesproduction drop-top, there’s no doubt that you’ll require a particularly good relationship with your local dealership to secure a new example. If you’re one of the lucky few, though, the order books opened on May 10, with prices starting at €151,215 (c£133,700). That’s a sizeable premium of around £50,000 over the regular 718 Spyder and some £10,000 over the Cayman GT4 RS, but that’s just the start. Opt for a PTS colour, Exclusive Manufaktur options and the Weissach Package, and this figure will rise rather rapidly…