2023 Porsche 718 Spyder RS
The most powerful version of the Porsche 718 Spyder has been revealed and, expectedly, it carries the RS badge.
Joining the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the 718 Spyder RS shares the same engine and gearbox specification as the hardcore Cayman, propelling the two-seater sports car from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and from 0-200km/h in just 10.9 seconds!
The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine produces 368kW and 450Nm, and is mated to a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission. According to Porsche, top speed is a smile-inducing 308km/h.
“The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head 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.”
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS sells for R3 074 000, and the price includes Porsche’s three-year Driveplan.
Sports interior
In typical Porsche fashion, the 718 Spyder RS’ interior is about functionality, featuring only the necessities to make it ergonomically sound.
The steering, for starters, is said to be very grippy and is covered with Race-Tex with the customary yellow 12-o’clock marking in the centre. The bucket seats are made of lightweight CFRP and have been designed to offer enhanced lateral support.
For that added touch, Porsche offers Arctic Grey or Carmine Red as contrasting colours to the cabin’s black background.
Customarily, the 718 Spyder RS’ roof is a single-layer lightweight soft-top that is operated manually. The roof, along with its mechanical parts, weighs 18.3kg – 7.6kg less than the 718 Spyder and 16.5kg less than the 718 Boxster.
Porsche says for an even better driving experience the roof can be removed completely, shaving an additional 8kg off the car’s weight.
Watch for the Weissach
A Weissach Package is also available for the Spyder RS as an option. The exceptionally lightweight, optional forged magnesium wheels can be ordered in combination with this particularly performance-focused equipment package.
The sports exhaust system tailpipes here are made of titanium.
Exclusively available to buyers of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is a Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph: a premium-quality watch from Porsche’s in-house watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland.
Designed to match the configuration of the car, the particularly lightweight case is made of titanium, the dial is made of carbon, and the strap is made out of vehicle leather. The rotor on the back echoes the respective wheel rim design on the 718 Spyder RS.
