The eagerly awaited 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is here, packing all the goodness of its Cayman GT4 RS counterpart into a lighter, more visceral experience for those who truly love the notion of open-top motoring.
And with a flat-six engine that can scream all the way to 9,000 rpm placed just behind the occupant’s ears, it’s set to be one of the most thrilling droptops on offer this side of a supercar. It will very likely be one of the last all-new mid-engine two-seat ICE offerings from Porsche, as it looks towards transitioning the model into an EV from 2025.
Just like the GT4 RS, that aforementioned sonorous engine started life in the 911 GT3. Mounted in the center, it puts out 493 hp (368 kW / 500 PS), which, if you’re wondering, is a sizeable 79-hp improvement over the non-RS spyder. Although marginally detuned from 911 duties, it features a not unsustainable 331 lb-ft (449 Nm) of torque and revs all the way up to 9,000 rpm.
The transmission is identical to the GT4 RS’ too. There’s no manual option on offer, but the short-ratio seven-speed PDK gearbox will get you through the gears rapidly, hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h).
The similarities between the Spyder RS and the GT4 RS aren’t restricted to the mechanicals. You get the same aero treatment to the front end, including the same front bumper design and two NACA ducts flanking the carbon-reinforced plastic frunk lid. There are some changes, though.
The Boxster Spyder RS misses out on the gargantuan wing found on the back of the Cayman GT4 RS. To ensure that the aero stays balanced, the convertible’s front spoiler lip is slightly shorter and complements the unique ducktail at the rear. Porsche’s lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system comes as standard, as do distinctive combustion air inlets on the sides behind the headrests.
And if you think the addition of two letters to the back of the Spyder nameplate is only to do with the engine and bodywork, then Stuttgart’s finest engineers may want to have a word with you because even the roof has been redesigned to save weight. Granted, you can undo all that effort by having a slightly heavier lunch, as it’s a saving of 16 lbs (7.2 kg) over the regular 718 Spyder and 36 lbs (16.3 kg) lighter than the regular droptop of the 718 Boxster.
Related: Porsche Axes Boxster Spyder, Cayman GT4, And Boxster T, Remaining Models Get Price Hikes
Suspension-wise, Porsche has toned things down over its hardtop sibling for a more relaxed chassis which is apparently befitting of a convertible. You get Porsche Active Suspension Management and the sport springs which lower the car by 30 mm, while the spring and damper rates are softer than found on the Cayman GT4 RS. You naturally get a mechanical limited-slip differential too.
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Those wanting more hardcore from an already hardcore package can plump for the optional Weissach Package. The Weissach pack brings titanium exhaust tailpipes, more carbon fiber, an exposed hood, an added gurney flap, and some more logos to tell the world what you’ve got.
If anyone at the club didn’t clock your new wheels in the parking lot, you can even flash a matching Porsche Design chronograph watch in their faces at the bar. It features a titanium case, a carbon fiber watch face, and a strap made out of seat leather. The movement comes from the Porsche Design watchmaking operation in Switzerland, while the rotor is reminiscent of the 20-inch wheel design featured on the 718 Spyder RS.
Coming to U.S. dealers in Spring 2024, the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS has an MSRP of $160,700, excluding $1,450 for delivery, processing, and handling. It’ll get its public appearance next month at an event celebrating 75 years of Porsche sports cars before it makes an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
