We recently had a chance to spend a weekend in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, experiencing the power from the GT3 sourced 4.0-litre flat-six, the sound from the air intakes in the cabin, and the size and excitement it provides behind the wheel. So when we found out that Porsche was dropping the top to create a Porsche 718 Spyder RS, there’s no doubt in our mind that this is THE modern Porsche we’d buy right now if we had a spare $336,800 AUD plus on-road costs laying around.
The thought of tearing down a backroad with the roof down and that 4.0-litre engine with 368 kW (500 PS) and 450 Newton meters of torque sitting behind us is enough to seal the deal. However, it’s the design that captures our attention as well. The size of the car, the removable soft top that looks like a bespoke piece of art, and the ducting around the door, engine cover, and headrests. It’s a stunning bit of kit.
It’s also the last of its kind, with Porsche confirming that this will be the last new 718 to feature a combustion engine. Expect allocations to be difficult to come by when order books open from May 10th, 2023, before deliveries commence in Q2 2024.
RELATED: Porsche Sharpens the New Cayenne with Taycan Tech.
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
At the front of the car, not a whole lot has changed from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The front bonnet is still made of carbon fibre and the two NACA air inlet ducts remain to enhance brake cooling. We love the look of the side blades that extend out from the edges of the front bumper, while the front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. This is an intentional move to balance the aerodynamics, i.e. there’s no giant wing on the rear of the Spyder, so a smaller front lip is necessary.
Interestingly, the soft top has been redesigned for the Spyder RS to create an even lighter variant. Weighing in at 18.3 kg it shaves 7.6 kg of weight from the roof of the vehicle when in use compared to the standard Spyder. Of course, that’s only if you bring it with you.
In terms of the chassis and suspension changes compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the spring and damper rates have been softened to align with a typical ‘convertible’ driving characteristic. Meanwhile, standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) remains, with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) at the rear through a mechanical rear differential lock. Ride height, camber, track and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually if you foresee any track use in the future.
“The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top vehicles,” said Andreas Preuninger, Director of GT Cars. “The combination of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and maximum openness offers an extremely compelling and unfiltered driving experience.”
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
The cabin remains full race car, especially with the optional Weissach Package that adds Race-Tex to nearly everything that you can see with your eyes, including the upper dashboard that replaces the standard leather with the anti-glare option. Of course, unlike our 718 Cayman GT4 RS press car, there’s no scaffolding behind your head. Standard full bucket seats are made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish and are the finishing touch on an interior that screams race car, but maybe not as much as the GT4 RS.
Available exterior colours include four plain and three metallic paints. We’re particular fans of the new Vanadium Grey Metallic as seen in the press images throughout this article. Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and our personal favourite, Ruby Star Neo, are also available.
As mentioned above, getting your hands on a Porsche RS car requires a very close relationship with your dealer in order to secure an allocation. If you’re lucky enough to receive a phone call from your dealer today offering you the chance to buy the car, do so immediately. We wouldn’t be surprised if the 718 Spyder RS goes down as the best modern Porsche of this generation. Prices for the Spyder RS start at $336,800 AUD plus on-road costs.
Check out the Porsche 718 Spyder RS
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
Porsche 718 Spyder RS | Image: Porsche
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