2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Open-Top Driving at 9,000 RPM
Performance and Handling
The 2024 718 Spyder RS is powered by the 4.0-liter flat-six found in the Cayman GT4 RS; it makes 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Porsche claims a top speed of 191 mph, and the Spyder RS will hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, half a second faster than a regular 718 Spyder. The only available transmission is Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The chassis is a mix of Spyder and Cayman GT4 RS bits. Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard, and the car sits 1.2 inches lower than the non-RS Spyder. Spring and damper ratios have been lowered compared to the Cayman GT4, with what Porsche describes as a "more relaxed, typically convertible-style setup," and ride, toe, camber, and anti-roll bars are all adjustable. An optional front-axle lift system can raise the nose 1.1 inches at speeds of up to 37 mph; if the valet returns the car with its nose sniffing the road, suspect Ferris Buellerian of mischief.
Modeling
The Spyder RS has a slightly smaller splitter than its Cayman counterpart and a relatively subtle ducktail spoiler, but the body modifications are otherwise similar. Like the Cayman GT4 RS, the Spyder RS has a carbon fiber hood with ducts to carry cooling air to the brakes, an outlet at the top of the bumper to channel air, and vents etched into the front fenders.
Opt for the $12,570 Weissach package, and the Gurney flaps on the hood, side air intakes, and ducktail spoiler are left unpainted. The lightweight package also replaces the standard 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with magnesium 20s, and titanium instead of stainless-steel exhaust tips.
The interior is what Porsche calls "only the functional and ergonomic essentials." This includes seats with carbon fiber shells, black leather with contrasting inserts, and a yellow sticker on the steering wheel to help the driver keep track of the 12 o'clock position. Cars equipped with the Weissach package also see Porsche's Race-Tex synthetic suede from the seat trim to the upper fascia.
Like the non-RS models, the 718 Spyder ditches the electric soft-top for manual flaps. RS takes this idea to an extreme, splitting the top in two. The sun visor is just what it says it is: shade. With this, the interior remains open to the elements behind and to the sides of the occupants. To keep dry in the rain, you'll also want to install a separate weather protector. The combined weight of the two is about 40 pounds, Porsche says, 16 pounds less than the Spyder and 36 pounds less than the Boxster's power top.
Pricing and Availability
The 718 Spyder RS starts at $162,350 (including a $1,650 destination charge). Orders are open and deliveries will begin in spring 2024.
