The new flagship of the 718 mid-engine model series offers absolute driving pleasure: The 718 Spyder RS is the counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, in an open-air version. For the first time, the 500 hp (368 kW) six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 is used in a sports car with an open mid-engine. This is the same high-revving lightweight engine block as in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing model. Equipped with a weight-optimized manual top, which was developed in the purest tradition for lovers of convertible models, the 718 Spyder RS produces a powerful sound that is particularly emotional. Its sound signature is emphasized by the standard lightweight sports exhaust system made of special steel and the side air intakes behind the headrests.
High-revving naturally aspirated engine and lightweight construction
The powertrain of the new 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Coupé. The six-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 4.0 liters runs at a maximum speed of 9,000 rpm. It delivers 500 hp (368 kW) and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. In combination with a shortened seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder block accelerates the two-seater roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The sports car reaches 200 km/h in 10.9 seconds. Compared to the 718 Spyder, the RS version of the new flagship of the series benefits from an increase in output of 80 hp (59 kW) and accelerates to 100 km/h in half a second less. Its top speed is 308 km/h compared to 300 km/h for the 718 Spyder. Like every modern RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is available exclusively with Porsche’s double-clutch gearbox (PDK). The seven gear changes are extremely fast and guarantee maximum performance. The paddles allow the driver’s hands to remain on the steering wheel when changing gears. Of course, the driver can also use the ergonomic shift lever placed on the center console. The increased performance of the new model is certainly explained by the increase in power of its engine, but also by its optimized weight. At 1,410 kg, the 718 Spyder RS weighs 40 kg less than the 718 Spyder with PDK transmission and even 5 kg less than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS with hardtop. The 718 Spyder RS is now the flagship of the 718 range, which has enjoyed undeniable success since its launch in 2016.
Aerodynamic balance
The front of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is almost identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The front hood, which is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) as standard, has a large air outlet located above the front bumper. Two NACA air intakes improve brake cooling without sacrificing drag coefficient (Cx). Side fins (sideblades) at each end of the front bumper help increase downforce. The front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which together with its large rear wing generates more downforce overall and therefore requires a more pronounced spoiler lip to ensure aerodynamic balance. At the rear of the 718 Spyder RS, instead of the spoiler, a ducktail-shaped spoiler lip directs the flow of air. All aerodynamic components are perfectly matched to ensure aerodynamic balance and dynamic stability at high speeds.
Hood design in the purest tradition, appreciated by lovers of open-air models
The new 718 Spyder RS features a lightweight single-ply soft top with a manual assembly mechanism. It is particularly compact and has two different elements: sun protection and weather protection. The two completely detachable elements can be mounted on the car together or separately. Sunscreen can be used alone. In this case, the soft top acts as an awning (bimini top) that protects the driver and passenger from the sun’s rays. The passenger compartment remains largely open simply because of the side and rear sun protection. With the weather protection, on the other hand, the passenger compartment is completely closed when the side windows are folded up, thus offering effective protection against rain. The complete top, including the mechanical elements, weighs only 18.3 kg, ie 7.6 kg less than the top of the 718 Spyder and 16.5 kg less than the top of the 718 Boxster. Weather permitting, the soft top can be left at home to lighten the car by 8kg.
Sports suspension: precision and agility
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder. The chassis, designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads, comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with sport tuning and a 30 mm lower ride height. It is also equipped with the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) torque control system with a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, top mounts with ball joints and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. The chassis gives the car unprecedented directional stability, exceptional agility and neutral cornering. Ground clearance, camber, track and stabilizer are individually adjustable. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the damping rates and the hardness of the chassis springs have been reduced in order to offer a tuning characteristic of a convertible model.
Clearly sporty interior
The passenger compartment is in harmony with the sporty character of the vehicle: the interior is characterized by a supposedly minimalist design that has been reduced to the essentials and focused on functionality and ergonomics. The RS sports steering wheel clad in Race-Tex with yellow 12 o’clock marking provides the driver’s hands with a perfect grip. The standard full bucket seats made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (PFRC) with visible carbon finish offer particularly effective lateral support. The black leather upholstery has a central band in perforated Race-Tex with a contrasting color and black background. Arctic gray or carmine red are offered as contrasting colors. A “Spyder RS” monogram is embroidered in the matching color on the headrests. The dashboard and interior trim are covered with leather. The color chart for the exterior colors includes four solid colors and three metallic colors, including the new Vanadium Gray Metallic, but also the special colors Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo Red.
Weissach package and optional matching chronograph
A Weissach package is also optionally available for the 718 Spyder RS. The lightweight forged magnesium wheels can be ordered as an option with this performance-oriented equipment package. The aesthetics of the titanium sports exhaust pipes are reminiscent of the Porsche 935, which was offered in a limited edition in 2018. In the passenger compartment, the upper part of the dashboard, clad in anti-reflective Race-Tex, adds a touch of elegance. Exclusively for buyers of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, a high-quality chronograph is offered, handcrafted in the watchmaking workshops of Porsche Design Timepieces in Solothurn (Switzerland). The lighter titanium case, carbon dial and leather strap are perfectly matched to the vehicle’s configuration. The oscillating weight on the back of the watch is reminiscent of the design of the rims of the 718 Spyder RS.
“The 718 Spyder RS raises the driving pleasure of open-top models to a new level,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Line at Porsche. “With its unique GT3 engine, its dynamic transmission with its shortened gear ratios, its compact dimensions, its optimized weight, its sports chassis perfectly adapted to road use and its maximum opening for absolute open-air driving pleasure, the new model offers adventure seekers an incomparable experience .”
The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS celebrates its public premiere next June as part of the celebrations for Porsche’s 75th anniversary as a sports car manufacturer in Zuffenhausen (Stuttgart). Shortly after, the car is unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.