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Porsche's 2024 718 Spyder RS, boasting 493 horsepower, bridges Porsche's combustion heritage and its electric future. Achieving 0-60 in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph, it's a powerful nod to Porsche's mid-engined legacy.
by Amreetam Basu on February 9, 2024, 13:13In 1996, Porsche made a bold move, transitioning from its iconic rear-engine layout to a mid-engine design with the Boxster. This sleek roadster, named after the combination of "boxer" engine and "roadster" body, introduced a new era of open-air thrills for the brand. Two decades later, in 2016, the 718 Boxster was born, inheriting the spirit of its predecessor but injecting a dose of modern performance and technology.
Now, as we stand at the precipice of an electrified future, Porsche bids farewell to the internal combustion engine in the 718 Boxster with a flourish - the 718 Spyder RS. This swan song is more than just a car; it’s a celebration of heritage and a testament to Porsche’s unrelenting pursuit of driving perfection.
Under the hood lies a masterpiece - a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, the same heart that beats in the legendary 911 GT3. It sings a glorious tune, reaching a spine-tingling 9,000-RPM redline and spitting out 493 horsepower through a lightning-fast PDK dual-clutch transmission.
But the 718 Spyder RS isn’t just about brute force. Its sculpted physique, adorned with a lightweight fabric roof and a ducktail spoiler, whispers of aerodynamic efficiency and track-ready prowess. Every detail, from the exposed carbon fiber hood to the weight-saving door panels, screams purpose. This is a sports car built for attacking twisties and devouring miles, all while keeping the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.
The 718 Spyder RS is a collector’s item, a rolling piece of automotive history. With only 999 units available worldwide and priced at $160,700, it’s a chance to own a slice of Porsche’s legacy, a final chapter in the story of the iconic 718 Boxster before it embraces the electric future. So, buckle up as we prepare to explore the finer details of the 718 Spyder RS.
Flat-six mania in a topless formula
Not long ago, Porsche decided to give up the idea of developing the successor of the 718 series of sports cars with the revered mid-engined layout and completely shift to electrifying the lineup. The journey of almost three decades is coming to an end, and what a way to celebrate the feat!
The 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is powered by the iconic 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. Similar to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the powerplant produces 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Plucked straight from the 911 GT3’s heart, this engine might whisper nine fewer ponies and 15 fewer pounds of torque, but don’t let that fool you.
It’s a fire-breathing beast that thrives on high revs, reaching a spine-tingling 9,000 RPM redline - the same as its bigger brother. Additionally, the short-ratio seven-speed PDK steps in as the perfect match. Lightning-fast upshifts and perfectly timed rev-matching downshifts? Check - the gearbox and the high-revving engine form a match made in motorsport heaven.
So how does this German king of speed perform when you launch it? According to Porsche, the 718 Spyder RS can reach 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, and given it is a rear-wheel drive sportscar, it is too good to be true. However, it is pretty believable if you test the acceleration on a prepped surface, which might give you better numbers then. Who knows? This topless sportscar can clock 124 mph in just 10.9 seconds and continue speeding until it hits the limiter at 191 mph.
| Category | 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS | 2024 Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six |
| Gearbox | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT |
| Drive type | RWD | RWD |
| Horsepower | 493 hp | 394 hp |
| Torque | 331 lb-ft | 309 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.2 seconds | 3.4 seconds w/ PDK |
| Top speed | 191 mph | 182 mph |
RS handling straight outta Weissach
The 718 Spyder RS craves a different kind of playground. Winding roads, the kind that carve through mountains and hug the coast. To conquer these ribbons of asphalt, Porsche throws in a chassis that’s a blend of the best from both worlds: the track-focused Cayman GT4 RS and the open-air Spyder. The suspension setup is quite impressive. Lowered by 1.2 inches, it boasts Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), tuned for maximum agility.
But don’t be fooled by the sports car genes - the Spyder RS remembers its convertible roots. Compared to its GT4 RS cousin, the springs and dampers are a touch softer, offering a more relaxed feel for those open-top cruises.
It’s about more than just the basics. The 718 Spyder RS features a party pack of performance goodies: torque vectoring with a limited-slip differential, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, and even ball-jointed suspension bearings. Plus, the best part? You can adjust everything - ride height, camber, track, anti-roll bars - to truly tailor this beast to your driving desires.
So, if you’re looking for a daily driver, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you crave a weekend warrior that carves corners with the grace of a ballerina and the ferocity of a lion, the 718 Spyder RS chassis is your ticket to adrenaline-pumping bliss.
The best-looking 718 doesn’t scream for attention
Forget the base Boxster’s tame looks - the 718 Spyder RS struts its stuff in an outfit suited for a champion. The manually operated fabric roof folds down with ease, shedding weight and embracing the open sky.
Unlike its GT4 RS sibling with its towering wing, the Spyder RS opts for a subtle ducktail spoiler, hinting at its performance edge without screaming about it.
Up front, the aero story continues with a shorter lip compared to the GT4 RS, reflecting the different downforce needs of a roofless beast. The rest of the exterior screams RS pedigree. There is a lightweight carbon fiber hood featuring NACA ducts and whispers of track-ready capabilities.
Sideblades slice through the wind, generating downforce to pin you to the road. And those air intakes flanking the rear wheels? Not just for show - they feed the engine and serenade your ears with the induction noise.
However, the real star of the show is the lightweight fabric top. Think sun, sky, and the sweet symphony of the engine - all with just a little bit of work since there is no powered operation here. Need some shade? Deploy the included sunshield. Facing a downpour? Throw on the weather protector and keep the adventure rolling. And the best part? This whole setup weighs 40.3 pounds, shedding 16.8 pounds compared to the regular Spyder.
Of course, for the ultimate weight-weenie, the Weissach Package beckons. Goodies include a titanium exhaust, center-locking magnesium wheels, and a carbon fiber bonanza - air scoops, and the rear spoiler flap. It’s a rolling ode to shedding pounds and maximizing performance.
Dated tech, German build quality
Despite being at the top of the 718 Boxster lineup, the Spyder RS prioritizes performance and driving exhilaration without sacrificing essential creature comforts. Porsche describes the interior as functional, emphasizing ergonomic essentials for a focused driving experience.
Take the Race-Tex GT Sport steering wheel, for example; it features a yellow center marker and is devoid of buttons, proving that Porsche doesn’t run behind technology to eschew driving engagement.
Settle into the supportive full bucket seats, made from lightweight carbon fiber with a captivating carbon-weave finish. Black leather with perforated center panels delivers both luxury and breathability, while the option of red or Arctic Grey inserts lets you add a personalized touch.
As for the dashboard, it is wrapped in Alcantara, but beyond the premium touch, a hint of the current 718 generation’s age peeks through. The center console houses a manual gearbox-inspired drive selector alongside a handful of buttons, offering a welcome sense of tactile control. However, the infotainment system is anchored by a relatively small, seven-inch touchscreen, albeit with Apple CarPlay support.
The climate control buttons below bring an intuitive layout, a refreshing contrast to modern systems that demand your attention to stray from the road. But the real highlight is the instrument cluster, a blend of digital and analog gauges. While Porsche is steadily transitioning to fully digital displays, as seen in the new Cayenne, this combo provides a timeless charm that we can’t help but adore. It’s a reminder of the driver-focused experience the 718 embodies, an experience that might soon shift gears with the upcoming electric iteration. So, soak in the analog allure while you can because progress, as they say, is inevitable.
FAQs
What powers the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS? It’s equipped with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed PDK transmission.
What are the performance capabilities of the 718 Spyder RS? It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and tops out at 191 mph.
What unique features does the 718 Spyder RS offer? Features a lightweight, manually operated soft top, sport-tuned PASM suspension, adjustable chassis settings, and sporty interior with Race-Tex and carbon fiber elements.
Is there a Weissach Package available for the 718 Spyder RS? Yes, offering forged magnesium wheels, titanium tailpipes, carbon fiber exterior parts, and Weissach logos inside.
What is the price and availability of the 718 Spyder RS? Priced at $160,700, excluding destination fees, expected in U.S. dealers in Spring 2024.
Porsche 718 Spyder RS becomes the pinnacle of the mid-engined family
Thirty years after the presentation of the Boxster concept car, Porsche is launching the most powerful version yet of the popular mid-engined roadster: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS. For the first time, the high-revving naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 is being deployed in an open-topped mid-engined sports car.
Porsche crowns the 718 mid-engined model line with a sports car designed for maximum driving pleasure: the new 718 Spyder RS is the open-top counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. For the first time, the 368 kW (500 PS; 718 Spyder RS: Fuel consumption combined (WLTP) 13.0 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined (WLTP) 294 g/km,911 GT3: Fuel consumption combined (WLTP) 12.9 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined (WLTP) 293 g/km) naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer from the 911 GT3 features in an open-topped mid-engined sports car. The same lightweight power unit with its high-revving design also powers the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car. The exceptionally lightweight and purist-pleasing manual soft-top roof of the 718 Spyder RS makes the highly evocative sound of the engine an even more compelling experience. The effect is further heightened by the standard lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system and the distinctive process air inlets on the sides behind the headrests.
High-revving naturally aspirated engine and resolutely lightweight construction
The powertrain of the new 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 (500 PS) and maximum torque of 450 Newton metres. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder engine catapults the two-seater roadster from 0-100 km/h in 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). This gearbox shifts through its seven gears at lightning speed and guarantees maximum performance. The gearshift paddles allow drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel even when shifting gears manually. Alternatively, the driver can use the ergonomically designed selector lever on the centre console. In addition to the more powerful engine, the new model’s lower weight also contributes to better performance: at 1,410 kilograms, the Spyder RS weighs 40 kg less than the 718 Spyder with PDK and is actually five kilograms lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Spyder RS represents the latest high-water mark of the model line started in 2016.
Balanced aerodynamics
The front end of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is almost identical to the front end of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The standard front bonnet is made of CFRP and features a wide air outlet above the bumper. The two NACA ducts enhance brake cooling without adversely affecting the Cd value. Sideblades on the outer ends of the bumper increase downforce. The front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which in conjunction with its large rear wing produces higher overall downforce on the Cayman and therefore requires a larger spoiler lip to achieve aerodynamic balance. Instead of a wing, the 718 Spyder RS features a striking tear-off edge shaped like a ducktail. All aerodynamic components are intricately coordinated. They maintain the car’s aerodynamic balance and ensure maximum driving stability at high speeds.
Purist soft-top design
The new 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 sun sail alone can also be used as a ‘Bimini top’, thereby protecting the driver and front passenger from intense sunlight. In this case, the passenger compartment remains largely open to the side and behind the passengers.
Together with the weather deflector, this creates a complete top that provides effective protection against rain when the side windows are raised. 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.
Sports suspension of the highest precision and agility
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder and is designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads. 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 behaviour of the chassis is characterised by razor-sharp steering precision, as well as agile and extremely neutral handling. 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.
Performance-focused interior
A sporty character defines the inside of the car too: the interior is reduced to the functional and ergonomic essentials. The grippy RS sports steering wheel is covered with Race-Tex and features a yellow 12-o’clock marking. The standard full bucket seats are made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish and offer particularly impressive lateral support. The seat covers are made of black leather, while the perforated Race-Tex seat centre features a contrasting colour with a black background. The contrasting colours are Arctic Grey or Carmine Red.
A ‘Spyder RS’ logo in the corresponding colour is embroidered on the headrests. The dashboard and trims are covered with leather. Available exterior colours include four plain and three metallic paints, including the new Vanadium Grey Metallic as well as the special colours Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.
Optional Weissach Package and matching chronograph
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.
“The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars. “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.”
The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS celebrates its public premiere in June at the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports Cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio
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