New Porsche 718 Spyder RS mid-engined
Thirty years after the introduction of the Boxster concept, the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen sports car manufacturer is releasing the most powerful version of its popular mid-engined roadster to date: new Porsche 718 Spyder RS. The high-speed naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 is used for the first time in a mid-engined convertible sports car.
The fastest and most powerful 718 roadster of all time
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 exceptionally light and clean soft top of the 718 Spyder RS with manual control makes the expressive engine sound even more mesmerizing. 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 consistently 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. Paired with a seven-speed PDK transmission, the engine catapults the two-seat roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The car accelerates to 200 km / h in just 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 current RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is only available with a Porsche PDK dual-clutch transmission. This seven-speed transmission shifts gears with lightning speed and is a guarantee of high performance. Paddle shifters allow the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel even when changing gears manually. Alternatively, the ergonomic shift 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 dramatic "ducktail" airflow separation edge. All aerodynamic elements have been carefully coordinated to ensure aerodynamic balance and maximum stability at high speeds.
Purist soft top design
The new 718 Spyder RS received a single-ply manual soft top. Its design is very 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 – maximum precision and agility
The 718 Spyder RS chassis uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Spyder and is designed for maximum fun on twisty roads. It uses Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a sporty 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.
The result: razor-sharp steering response, incredible agility and exceptionally neutral handling. 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.
Performance-focused interior
The sporty character is also defined by the car's interior, reduced to essential functional and ergonomic elements. The grippy RS Sport steering wheel is wrapped in Race-Tex fabric and has yellow markings at 12 o'clock. The standard bucket seats, made from lightweight carbon fiber with visible carbon trim, provide impressive lateral support. Their upholstery combines black leather with Race-Tex perforated center panels in a contrasting color (Arctic Gray or Carmine Red) with black underlay.
The matching shade Spyder RS logo is embroidered on the headrests. The instrument panel and trim elements are covered with leather. The list of available paint colors includes four standard colors and three metallic colors, including the new Vanadium Gray Metallic shade, as well as special colors: Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.
Optional Weissach package and matching watch
An especially high-performance Weissach package is available as an option for the 718 Spyder RS, which can be completed with extremely light magnesium alloy forged 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.
Reserved exclusively for Porsche 718 Spyder RS buyers is the handcrafted Porsche Design Timepieces, a premium watch from Porsche's own watchmaking workshop in Solothurn, Switzerland. Designed to match the car's configuration, its ultra-light body 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 718 Spyder RS takes open-top driving fun to the next level,” said Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars. “The combination of our unique GT3 engine, short ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low curb weight, open road racing optimized suspension and maximum openness creates an extremely convincing, purist driving experience.”
The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS will celebrate its public debut in June 2023.., during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Porsche sports cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly thereafter, the model will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Prices for the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS start from 807 thousand c.u. (4 c.u. = 1 USD).
Source: Porsche
