Porsche is saying goodbye to its mid-engined sports car family, the 718, with the introduction of the new 718 Spyder GT4 RS. This convertible model will be the last variant of the 718 before Porsche transitions to a fully electric drivetrain by 2025.
The 718 Spyder GT4 RS is the most powerful version of the Boxster ever produced since it first entered production in 1995. It shares the same GT3-based 4.0-liter flat-six engine with its hard-top counterpart, the five-star 718 Cayman GT4 RS. With an ear-splitting redline of 9000rpm, this engine delivers an impressive 493 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The power is transmitted through a lightning-fast seven-speed PDK gearbox, allowing the roadster to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 191mph.
Porsche highlights that the open-top design of the Spyder GT4 RS enhances the exhilarating sound of the engine. The car features a lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust and new air intakes mounted near the headrests to elevate the auditory experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Spyder GT4 RS closely resembles the Cayman, exhibiting large air ducts, aggressive aerodynamic additions to boost downforce, a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) hood and fenders, and 20-inch center-locking forged alloy wheels typically seen in racing cars.
Porsche has ensured that the Spyder GT4 RS delivers maximum driving pleasure on winding roads. It benefits from the same track-focused chassis upgrades as its hard-top counterpart. The car sits 30mm closer to the ground with stiffer shocks, comes standard with Porsche’s active suspension management (PASM) system, and includes a torque-vectoring package with a mechanical differential lock on the rear axle for outstanding cornering performance.
On the exterior, the RS model takes design cues from the slightly less powerful 718 Spyder, incorporating distinct rear deck buttresses and a prominent ‘ducktail’ rear wing to enhance aerodynamics.
The convertible soft-top is designed to add minimal weight to the car. It is manually operated and made from a lightweight single-layer canvas. The entire roof structure, including a separate ‘sun sail’ and weather protector, weighs only 18.3kg, which is 7.6kg lighter than the non-RS Spyder and 16.5kg lighter than the standard Boxster. Additionally, the canvas element can be stored in the car or removed entirely, saving an extra 8kg on the move.