Open-topped mid-engined sports cars don’t get much more enticing than this - meet the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS.
Thirty years after Porsche first presented the Boxster as a concept, the evolution continues.
Porsche’s 718 family is split into two main groups - the Cayman hard-topped coupe, and the Boxster convertible.
This new Spyder RS throttles its way straight to the top of the 718 family tree, slotting in alongside the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Both of those cars begin at a cool £123,000.
And the headline-grabbing stat about the 718 Spyder RS is that it has been handed the high-revving, 4.0 litre, naturally aspirated engine from Porsche’s 911 GT3 - which the 718 Cayman GT4 RS also features.
The regular 718 Spyder has power of 420 PS and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds.
The 718 Spyder RS, on the other hand, makes 500 PS and will hit 62 mph from a standstill in 3.4 secs. Top speed is 191 mph.
Because the Spyder RS is a convertible, the key selling point here is the SOUND it’ll make.
A Porsche spokesperson tells us:
“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.”
Like every modern RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is available exclusively with the rapid-shifting Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK).
Design wise, the 718 Spyder RS carries lots over from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, including a more aggressive front end, carbon fibre bonnet and larger rear spoiler.
The roof itself is ultra lightweight and what Porsche calls a ‘sunsail’. It simply clicks on by hand - rather than folding back into the passenger compartment - and can be completely removed and stowed if need be. The entire thing weighs just 18.3 kg - 7.6 kg less than the 718 Spyder and 16.5 kg less than in the 718 Boxster.
The 718 Spyder RS should also handle like a dream. It gets the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system with sports tuning, and has been lowered by 30 millimetres compared with the regular Spyder.
It features Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.
Porsche describes the cabin as ‘functional’ so don’t expect an abundance of creature comforts, but it still looks the business, complete with carbon bucket seats and a Race-Tex wrapped steering wheel.
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS will make a public appearance at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed - and we can’t wait to see it in the flesh.
Thinking about leasing a Porsche? Chat to our dedicated Select Car Leasing Specialist Division. Leasing prices for the Porsche 718 Cayman begin at £637 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 10/05/23.
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