Porsche 718 Spyder RS – the new pinnacle of the mid-engined family

  • Fastest and most powerful 718 Roadster of all time
  • Chassis tuned to deliver high agility for maximum driving pleasure
  • Uncompromising lightweight convertible roof with manual mechanism
  • 1,410 kg thanks to consistently lightweight construction
  • Unfiltered sound experience – engine air intakes behind the headrests
  • 500 PS (368kW) high-revving engine from the 911 GT3

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 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.

Great Britain. Porsche today crowns the 718 mid-engined model line with the new 718 Spyder RS – the open-top counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. And for the first time, the 500 PS (368 kW) naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine from the 911 GT3 is shared with the open-topped mid-engine, two-seat sports car. The same lightweight power unit with its high-revving character also powers the 911 GT3 Cup racing car.

The exceptionally lightweight and pure ethos extends to the manual soft-top roof design of the 718 Spyder RS, which also 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, generates an output of 500 PS (368 kW) and maximum torque of 450 Newton metres. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the engine propels the roadster from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds. The car reaches 124 mph in just 10.9 seconds. Compared to the 718 Spyder without the ‘RS’ designation, the new car not only benefits from an additional 80 PS (59 kW), but also accelerates to 62 mph half a second faster. Where permitted, the top speed is 191 mph. Combined fuel economy (WLTP) is 21.7 mpg, equivalent to 294 g/m CO2 Combined.

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 delivers seamless, 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 kg, the Spyder RS weighs 40 kg less than the 718 Spyder with PDK and is actually five kg 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 that 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 aerodynamic 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.

Pure 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. This is 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 permitting.

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 mm. It also features Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20-inch diameter 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 sporting character defines the inside of the car: 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 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 leather-covered. Available exterior colours include four solid and three metallic shades, 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 718 Spyder RS is a Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph – a premium-quality timepiece from the in-house Porsche watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland. Designed to match the configuration of the car, features include a particularly lightweight titanium case, carbon dial and the strap made of leather of a grade similar to the interior trim. The rotor on the back echoes the respective wheel rim design on the 718 Spyder RS. The price is from approx €9,500 RRP, with further details to be confirmed.

“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 is priced from £123,000.00 RRP, and goes on sale today in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland.

The car will celebrate its public debut in June at the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports Cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will make its dynamic premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

author :-Porsche Press Release  Deutschland.

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JZM’s opinion – This new 718 Spyder is simply a twist on the GT4 RS with a removable roof coupled with that perfect balance and great intake noise.

As JZM works closely with The Spyder Club hosting regular breakfast meets we would not be surprised if Craig Varty and some of his members arrive in one at our future Spyder meets.

If you have a 718 Spyder and wish to modify and create more sound or speed we fit car graphic valve controller options, geometry set ups, lightweight fly wheels and JCR exhausts and much much more. For further information please speak to our team at enquiries@jzmporsche.com

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