While this isn't the very first 718 Spyder RS on this page, it is the first one that was delivered to a customer. If you haven't learned everything about this breathtaking RS yet, you have the opportunity to read on here...
Several years ago, Porsche introduced the Cayman and its open variant, the Boxster, to provide people with a car that would offer a level of fun like no other. The flat-six mid-engine of this small sports coupe was perfectly balanced, making it ideal for twisty roads like mountain passes.
Later on, Porsche launched the GT4, which aimed to be lighter, faster, and increase the fun factor even more. The Boxster Spyder was its open-top counterpart, allowing drivers to feel the rush of the wind and the road even more intensely.
Fast forward to the year 2022, and Porsche thinks to itself, "The GT4 is already cool, but we can make it even cooler. Let's build an RS variant." And so, the GT4RS started to appear on the streets. But they didn't stop there; they also decided to introduce an RS version of the Spyder, which is the first sighting of it.
The RS versions not only offer technical improvements but also come with visual enhancements. Many features, such as the full carbon hood, streamlined and lighter fenders, and bumper, are already known from the GT4RS. However, some changes set the RS Spyder apart, like a slightly larger rear spoiler and the roof. Unlike the semi-automatic roof of the Spyder, where you had to open the rear manually and fold the canvas back, the RS version's roof operates differently. It opens like a hood, and you must lift it completely by yourself. Additionally, the actual canvas top becomes more like a cover that you need to dismantle and fold, stowing it in the rear.
The new 718 Spyder RS is the open-top counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. It features, for the first time, the 368 kW (500 PS) strong six-cylinder naturally-aspirated boxer engine from the 911 GT3, powering an open mid-engine sports car. The same lightweight high-revving engine is used in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car. The exceptionally light and puristic manual fabric top of the 718 Spyder RS enhances the evocative sound of the engine even further. This effect is intensified by the standard lightweight stainless-steel sports exhaust system and the striking process air intakes located on the sides behind the headrests.
The powertrain of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Coupe. The 4.0 liter six cylinder boxer engine revs up to 9,000 rpm and delivers 368 kW (500 PS) of power and a maximum torque of 450 Newton meters. Combined with a short-geared seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder engine propels the two-seater roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. It reaches 200 km/h in a mere 10.9 seconds. Compared to the regular 718 Spyder without the "RS" designation, the new flagship not only benefits from an additional 59 kW (80 PS) but also accelerates half a second faster to 100 km/h. The top speed is now 308 km/h instead of 300 km/h. Like any modern RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is exclusively available with the Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). This gearbox shifts rapidly through its seven gears, ensuring maximum performance. Paddle shifters allow the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel even during manual shifts. Alternatively, the driver can use the ergonomically designed gear lever on the center console. Besides the more potent engine, the reduced weight of the new model contributes to improved performance: Weighing in at 1,410 kilograms, the Spyder RS is 40 kilograms lighter than the 718 Spyder with PDK and even five kilograms lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Spyder RS represents the latest peak of the model series launched in 2016.
By the way, this specimen was spotted in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Budapest is home to approximately 1.7 million people and, most recently, this beautiful 718 Spyder RS as well.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
