The new 718 Spyder RS is Porsche's take on the ultimate top-down driving experience
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The new 718 Spyder RS is Porsche's take on the ultimate top-down driving experience
This is the new 718 Spyder RS and it's probably easier to think of it as the topless version of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS from a year or so ago.
Like that crazy Cayman, the highlight of this new Boxster is its engine. It has the same 4-litre flat-six as the 911 GT3. That means 493hp, 450nm of torque, and a redline of 9,000rpm.
And having watched countless videos of the Cayman GT4 RS, I confirm that the induction noise it makes is pure automotive symphony.
To ensure the engine fits in a Boxster, Porsche had to place carbon intake pods where the roof mounting points used to be. To get around this, they had to engineer a new roof.
Actually, it's more accurate to call it a cover or sunshade since it doesn't actually seal the car completely and it's in danger of flying off if you go any faster than 200km/h. One upside to this "roof" is that it saves over 16kg compared to a standard Boxster's electric folding top.
Happily, this cover can be stored in the car even when you are driving. And let's face it, given the engine that it has, we are willing to bet most of its owners are going to want to drive it top down whenever they have the chance.
Like the Cayman, the 718 Spyder RS will only be offered with Porsche's dual-clutch PDK transmission. Quoted performance is 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0-200km/h in just 10.9 seconds, and a top speed of 308km/h. Yup, it's fast.
And for owners who want even more weight savings, there's an optional Weissach package that includes lightweight forged magnesium wheels and a titanium exhaust system.
Availability and pricing
No word yet on local availability and pricing but Porsche says customers will receive theirs starting next spring.
The 718 Cayman GT RS had a starting price of S$755,288 (not including COE), so expect this car to cost around the same, assuming there are no more changes to our ARF tax scheme.
