It weighs only 1410 kg, and the engine is from the Porsche 911 GTS (500 hp). It is the fastest and most powerful 718 roadster of all time.
Thirty years after the introduction of the Boxster concept, the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen sports car manufacturer is bringing to market the most powerful version of its popular mid-engined roadster to date: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS.
Porsche crowns the 718 range with a mid-engined variant designed for maximum driving pleasure: the new 718 Spyder RS is the open-ended counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The mid-engined sports convertible received for the first time a naturally aspirated flat-six engine from the 911 GT3 with 368 kW (500 hp). The same lightweight, high-revving engine powers the racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The hand-operated 718 Spyder RS soft top makes the engine sound even more audible. This effect is further enhanced by the standard stainless steel lightweight sports exhaust system and distinctive air intakes on the sides behind the seat headrests.
High-revving naturally aspirated engine and lightweight design
The powertrain of the new 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe. The six-cylinder boxer six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4.0 liters reaches speeds up to 9000 rpm and develops 368 kW (500 hp) and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. In combination with a seven-speed PDK transmission, the engine accelerates the two-seat roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The car accelerates to 200 km / h in 10.9 seconds.
Compared to the 718 Spyder without the “RS” moniker, the new top-of-the-line variant not only gets an additional 59 kW (80 hp), but also accelerates to 100 km/h half a second faster. Top speed is now 308 km/h instead of 300 km/h.
Like every other RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is only available with a Porsche PDK dual-clutch transmission. Paddle shifters allow the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel even when changing gears manually. Alternatively, the gear lever on the center console can be used for this purpose. In addition to a more powerful engine, the new variant’s lower curb weight contributes to its improved performance: at 1410 kg, the Spyder RS is 40 kg lighter than the PDK-equipped 718 Spyder and 5 kg lighter than the 718 Cayman closed body. GT4 RS. The Spyder RS is the latest top-of-the-line model released in 2016.
Balanced aerodynamics
The front of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is virtually identical to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The front cover, made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) as standard, has a wide air outlet above the bumper. Two NACA ducts improve brake cooling without sacrificing air coefficient (Cd). Paddles on the sides of the bumper increase downforce. The front spoiler is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS; achieving aerodynamic balance in a coupé requires a longer spoiler which, combined with a larger rear wing, provides more overall downforce. Instead of a wing, the 718 Spyder RS has a ducktail tear-off lip.
Purist soft top design
The new 718 Spyder RS received a single-ply manual soft top. Its design is light and compact. It consists of two parts: a solar sail and a rain canopy. Both are completely removable and can be stored together or separately in the car. The shade sail itself can also be used as a bimini roof, protecting rider and passenger from intense sunlight. At the same time, the cabin remains largely unprotected - on the sides and behind the passengers. Together with the rain fairing, the sail forms a full-fledged roof, which, with the side windows raised, provides effective protection from the rain. Overall, including mechanical parts, it weighs only 18.3 kg. This is 7.6 kg less than the 718 Spyder and 16.5 kg less than the 718 Boxster. Drivers who want to further “lighten” the car by 8 kg can - if the weather permits - leave the trim elements at home.
sports suspension
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Spyder and uses Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with sport configuration as standard. The ground clearance has been reduced by 30 mm. The new 718 Spyder RS also features Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a limited slip differential, spherical bearings in the suspension and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Ground clearance, camber, toe and anti-roll bars can be adjusted individually. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the spring and damper arrangements have been relaxed for a more relaxed set-up suitable for an open-top car.
Optional Weissach package and matching watch
A particularly high-performance Weissach package is available as an option for the 718 Spyder RS, which can be completed with lightweight forged magnesium alloy wheels. As part of the Weissach package, the sports exhaust pipes are made of titanium. Their appearance refers to the 2018 limited edition 935. The visual highlight of the interior is the upper part of the dashboard, which is covered in Race-Tex anti-reflective material. Exclusive to Porsche 718 Spyder RS buyers, a handcrafted Porsche Design Timepieces chronograph from Porsche’s own watchmaking workshop in Solothurn, Switzerland is reserved. Its lightweight, car-shaped case is made of titanium, the dial is made of carbon fiber, and the strap is made of automotive leather. The rotor design is reminiscent of the matching rim design of the 718 Spyder RS wheels.
The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS will celebrate its public debut in June 2023 at the Porsche Sports Car 75th Anniversary celebration in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly thereafter, the model will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Prices for the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS start at 807,000 rubles. zloty.
Source: Wprost
I am Jason Root. I work in the news website industry and mostly cover the automobile industry. I have also written for Daily News Hack. My work revolves around new car models, prices, and features. In addition, I often write about used cars and tips for buying them. My articles are meant to be helpful for those who are in the market for a new or used car.
