Review by Veeno Dewan
The heart of the beast is a mid-mounted 911-GT3 sourced 4.0-litre engine that generates an unbelievable 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. It’s so fast, it delivers a 0-100-km/h sprint time in a mere 3.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed quote is at 308-km/h for the 718 Spyder RS.
The Porsche “RS” designation denotes a Porsche with extra performance. Reliably, the German supercar maker delivers in the new 718 Spyder RS as the fastest and most powerful 718 roadster of all so far. The heart of the beast is a mid-mounted 911-GT3 sourced 4.0-litre engine that generates an unbelievable 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. It’s so fast, it delivers a 0-100-km/h sprint time in a mere 3.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed quote is at 308-km/h for the 718 Spyder RS.
Oh, and it looks the part too. Visually, the Porsche 718 RS stuns. The front looks close to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, with a CFRP front bonnet. The side blades on the outer edges of the bumper deliver more downforce to keep this supercar glued to the road. A front lip spoiler and a ducktail rear spoiler aid the downforce. Its Brake cooling improves with the addition of two NACA ducts. Various killer paint combinations, options, stripes, logo, and identifying scripts allow you to customize your RS. Special equipment enhances the Spyder RS, paint colors choices and interior details plus the optional must-have Weissach Package with beautiful, forged magnesium wheels; titanium exhaust tips; and anti-glare Race-Tex material on the upper part of the dashboard. The Weissach package also includes an exclusive Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph that matches the specification and configuration of the car.
Otherwise, RS lucky buyers gain a sublime, spotty interior with a tactile RS Race-Tex sports steering wheel, lightweight carbon-weave-finish full bucket seats with black leather covers and perforated Race-Tex centers featuring contrasting colors. The headrests have a “Spyder RS” logo. It has a purposeful, driver-centric cockpit.
Performance modifications include the sport-tuned Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), lowering the car by 30 millimetres; Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and the Porsche’s active suspension system (PASM). These systems come standard with the model, as does the mechanical torque vectoring limited-slip rear differential. A lightweight convertible roof with a manual mechanism defines the 718 Spyder RS as an exceptionally light car.
The 718 RS’ does stellar duty as a performance shifting everyday road car, yet can be driven straight to the racetrack for an afternoon of racing and back out on the street with no issues. This is one of the most exciting performance cars you can buy for the money.
The 718 RS has two trunks with: 125 litres (front), 120 L (rear). This model can be specified in one of seven exotic interior color options, including a bright metallic pink that looks superbly gorgeous.
On the road, the prodigious 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque in this small mid engine sports car put the Spyder RS in the super league. With 9,000-rpm redline—the engine has lightning quick acceleration. This amazingly lightweight car also possesses a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio of a true race car specifications.
The dual-clutch PDK auto transmission is the only transmission choice and shifts gears in what seems like milliseconds with a top speed of 308-km/h for the 718 Spyder RS. Flooring this car with the requisite shrieks, growls, and gurgles from the engine and gearbox is an exhilarating driving experience.
Handling-wise, a mechanical locking rear differential and torque vectoring, allow race-car style agility and the utmost confidence as you attack straights and enter corners at insane speeds. The steering is delightfully responsive and provides incredible feedback. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires and wide track offer superb grip and allow for wonderfully controllable under-steer. The heavily reworked suspension has stiffer springs, new faster-reacting adaptive Bilstein dampers and spherical ball joints replacing all rubber bushings.
To sum up, the 718 RS is the ultimate track car, lightweight, powerful with superbly balanced chassis and engine transmission combination. Some may lament a manual transmission, but the PDK is fine. The 718 RS is a limited edition and demand will be heavy. Better grab one fast! The 718 RS does stellar duty as a performance shifting everyday road car, yet can be driven straight to the racetrack for an afternoon of racing and back out on the street with no issues. This is one of the most exciting performance cars you can buy for the money. Love it!
2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS -Base MSRP: $188,800
All images courtesy of Porsche Canada media.
