The long-awaited 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS has here, delivering all the deliciousness of its Cayman GT4 RS equivalent into a lighter, more visceral experience for people who adore the idea of open-top driving.
With a flat-six engine capable of screams up to 9,000 rpm situated directly between the occupant's ears, it's expected to be one of the most exhilarating drop tops available this side of a supercar. It will very certainly be one of Porsche's final all-new mid-engine two-seat ICE offerings before the model is converted to an EV in 2025.
That aforementioned sonorous engine, like the GT4 RS, began life in the 911 GT3. It produces 493 horsepower (368 kW / 500 PS) when mounted in the center, which is a 79-hp gain over the non-RS spyder. Although slightly detuned from 911 duty, it produces a respectable 331 lb-ft (449 Nm) of torque and revs to 9,000 rpm.
The gearbox is also identical to that of the GT4 RS. There is no manual transmission available, but the seven-speed PDK gearbox will get you through the gears quickly, reaching 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 3.2 seconds and a peak speed of 191 mph (307 km/h).
The mechanical similarities between the Spyder RS and the GT4 RS do not end there. The front end receives the same aero treatment, featuring the same front bumper design and two NACA vents flanking the carbon-reinforced plastic frunk lid. However, there are some modifications.
The Boxster Spyder RS lacks the massive wing present on the Cayman GT4 RS's back end. To keep the aerodynamics balanced, the convertible's front spoiler lip is somewhat shorter, complementing the distinctive ducktail at the back. Porsche's lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system is standard, as are the characteristic combustion air inlets located on the sidewalls behind the headrests.
The enormous wing present on the back of the Cayman GT4 RS is absent from the Boxster Spyder RS. The convertible's front spoiler lip is a little shorter to balance the aero and compliment the distinctive ducktail at the back. Both the characteristic combustion air inlets on the sidewalls behind the headrests and the lightweight sports exhaust system made of stainless steel by Porsche are included as standard.
Porsche has altered its hardtop sibling's suspension in favor of a more laid-back chassis that seems appropriate for a convertible. The spring and damper rates are softer than those of the Cayman GT4 RS, and you also get Porsche Active Suspension Management, which lowers the car by 30 mm. Naturally, you also receive a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The extra Weissach bundle is available for those who like even more extreme from an already hardcore bundle. The Weissach pack includes additional branding to let people know what you have, titanium exhaust tailpipes, extra carbon fiber, an exposed hood, and a gurney flap.
You may even flash a matching Porsche Design chronograph watch in their faces at the bar if they didn't notice your new wheels in the parking lot. It has a titanium casing, a watch face made of carbon fiber, and a leather band. The rotor is evocative of the 20-inch wheel design seen on the 718 Spyder RS, and the mechanism is from the Porsche Design watchmaking facility in Switzerland.
