The new Porsche 718 Spyder GT4 RS is a screaming, drop-top swansong for Porsche’s mid-engined sports car family ahead of its transition to a pure-EV drivetrain in 2025.
The final iteration of the 718 – as we know it – is the most powerful derivative of the Boxster since production began in 1995. It takes 493bhp and 332lb ft from the same GT3-based atmo 4.0-litre flat six that powers its hard-top sibling, the five-star 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Redlining at an ear-splitting 9000rpm and sending its reserves through a “lightning-speed” seven-speed PDK gearbox, it propels the roadster from 0-62mph in just 3.4sec and on to 191mph.
Porsche says the open roof “makes the highly evocative sound of the engine an even more compelling experience”, particularly given the fitment of a lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust and new air intakes mounted just next to the headrests.
Below the beltline, the Spyder GT4 RS is visually almost identical to the hottest Cayman, complete with gaping air ducts, aggressive downforce-boosting addenda, carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonnet and wings, and race-style 20in centre-locking forged alloy wheels.
“Designed for maximum pleasure on winding roads,” the car also brings the same track-honed chassis upgrade package as its hard-top sibling. Sitting 30mm closer to the ground on stiffer shocks, it is equipped as standard with Porsche’s active suspension management (PASM) system and features a corner-carving torque-vectoring package with a mechanical differential lock on the rear axle.
Up top, meanwhile, the RS takes its lead from the ‘standard’ (but barely less powerful) 718 Spyder in gaining a pair of distinctive buttresses on its rear deck and a prominent ‘ducktail’ rear wing in the name of enhanced aerodynamics.
The striking soft-top has been designed to incur an absolutely minimal weight penalty. Manually operated and made of a lightweight single-layer canvas, the entire structure – comprising a separate ‘sun sail’ and weather protector – weighs just 18.3kg, 7.6kg less than the non-RS Spyder’s and 16.5kg less than the standard Boxster’s. The canvas element can be stowed in the car or removed entirely to save 8kg on the move.
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I would like to ask, is "718 Spyder GT4 RS" the correct model name? Porsche's sales website and other media outlets refer to it as the "718 Spyder RS" which is confusing me. Is this the name of the UK version? I like AUTOCAR, but sometimes there are some unbelievable misspellings. Can someone please enlighten me?
No limit to production, except if you actually try to buy one.
Very true, for curiosity's sake I called my Porsche Brand Ambassador (salesman, but that's what they call them in Florida) and asked about ordereing and availability. Disclaimer, both he and I knew I did not want one, I am a serial customer, purchased three new Porsche from them in the past 2yrs, and an existing GT customer). He smiled, I smiled, and then he said that the wait list for GT4RS and existing orders for Spyder GT4RS, are more than Porsche will be able to deliver to them even if they continued making them for 5yrs. So, as always, sold out upon release. Me, after 6yrs on the GT3 waitlist (Touring) I am hoping they accept my request to switch my order to the 911 ST. After 5yrs I think I deserve a break?
More like another guaranteed revenue source, Porsche have been doing it for 75 yrs and counting,can anyone recall a Porsche that was a real duffer?