The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS has been unwrapped, billed as the most powerful version of the Zuffenhausen-based firm’s mid-engined roadster and likely the final combustion-engined example in the 718 series.
Like the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the open-top newcomer is endowed with Porsche’s high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-6 engine, borrowed from the 911 GT3 and here churning out a whopping 368 kW and 450 Nm.
The boxer engine spins to a heady 9 000 r/min and is combined with a “short-ratio” 7-speed PDK transmission as standard. Porsche claims the apex version of its 2-seater roadster will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.4 seconds, before reaching 200 kph at the 10.9-second mark. The top speed is listed as 308 kph.
According to Porsche, the new 718 Spyder RS tips the scales at 1 410 kg, which translates to a 40 kg weight saving over the standard 718 Spyder. Fascinatingly, the new model is actually 5 kg lighter than its 718 Cayman GT4 RS sibling.
The German firm describes the manually operated, single-layer soft-top roof as being “exceptionally lightweight”, adding it allows the occupants to better experience the “highly evocative sound of the engine”. This is further heightened by the standard lightweight stainless-steel sports exhaust system. For the record, the entire roof system weighs 18.3 kg, making it 7.6 kg lighter than the version used on the standard 718 Spyder (and 16.5 kg lighter than that of the 718 Boxster).
The entire roof system is said to weigh just 18.3 kg.
Up front, the new 718 Spyder RS looks almost identical to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, featuring a bonnet fashioned from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and a wide air outlet above the bumper. However, the front spoiler lip is slightly shorter, while round back the RS-badged Spyder scores a “tear-off edge” shaped like a ducktail in place of a rear spoiler.
As you’ve likely guessed, the Spyder RS chassis borrows components from the Cayman GT4 RS and ships standard with items such as the Porsche active suspension management system and a 30 mm lower ride height. It also features a mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. In addition, the spring and damper rates have been reduced (compared with those of the Cayman GT4 RS) to achieve a “more relaxed, characteristically convertible-style” set-up.
Inside, you’ll find an RS sports steering wheel trimmed in Race-Tex material and featuring a yellow centre marking. Full bucket seats made from lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish are standard and employ black-leather covers with perforated Race-Tex centres in a contrasting colour.
An optional Weissach Package will also be available for the Spyder RS, along with lightweight forged magnesium wheels. Here, the sports exhaust system tailpipes are made of titanium while the upper area of the dashboard is covered with anti-glare Race-Tex (as opposed to leather).
Porsche 718 Spyder RS – R3 074 000
A 3-year Driveplan is included as standard.
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