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PORSCHE 718 SPYDER RS
THE NEW FLAGSHIP OF THE MID-ENGINE MODEL RANGE
Nhe new flagship of the 718 mid-engine model range offers an absolute driving pleasure: the 718 Spyder RS is the convertible counterpart of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. For the first time, the naturally aspirated six-cylinder flat engine with 500 hp (368 kW) from the 911 GT3 powers a convertible mid-engine sports car. It is the same high-revving, lightweight engine block as the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car. Equipped with a manually operated lightweight soft top, designed in the pure tradition cherished by convertible enthusiasts, the 718 Spyder RS produces a powerful and emotionally rich sound. Its distinctive acoustic signature is enhanced by the lightweight special steel sport exhaust system, provided as standard, and the generous side air intake vents located behind the headrests.
HIGH-REVVING NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE WITH LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
The powertrain of the new 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe. The flat-six engine, with its 4.0-liter displacement, revs up to a maximum speed of 9,000 rpm. It delivers a power output of 500 hp (368 kW) with a maximum torque of 450 Nm. Paired with a shortened seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder engine propels the two-seater roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The sports car reaches 200 km/h in 10.9 seconds. Compared to the 718 Spyder, the new flagship RS model boasts an additional 80 hp (59 kW) and accelerates to 100 km/h in half a second less. Its top speed is 308 km/h, compared to the 300 km/h of the 718 Spyder. Like any modern RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is exclusively available with Porsche's dual-clutch transmission (PDK).
The seven-speed gear shifts are extremely rapid, ensuring maximum performance. With the paddles, the driver's hands can stay on the steering wheel during gear changes. Of course, the driver can also use the ergonomic gear lever placed on the central console. The increased performance of the new model is not only attributed to the power gain of its engine but also to its optimized weight. Weighing in at 1,410 kg, the 718 Spyder RS is 40 kg lighter than the 718 Spyder with PDK transmission, and even 5 kg lighter than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Today, the 718 Spyder RS stands as the flagship model of the 718 range, enjoying uninterrupted success since its launch.
AERODYNAMIC BALANCE
The front of the new 718 Spyder RS is nearly identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The front hood, made of standard Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), features a wide air outlet located above the front bumper. Two NACA air intakes enhance brake cooling without compromising the drag coefficient (Cx). The sideblades located at each
end of the front bumper contribute to increased downforce.
The front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which, with its large rear wing, generates higher total downforce and therefore requires a more pronounced front spoiler lip to maintain aerodynamic balance. At the rear of the 718 Spyder RS, instead of a wing, a ducktail-shaped separation edge ensures smooth airflow.
All aerodynamic components are perfectly coordinated to ensure aerodynamic balance and dynamic stability at high speeds. The new 718 Spyder RS features a lightweight single-layer convertible top with a manual mounting mechanism. Particularly compact, it consists of two distinct elements: a sun protection cover and a weather protection cover. Both fully removable elements can be mounted together or separately on the car.
The sun protection cover can be used alone, in which case the convertible top functions as a bimini top, shielding the driver and passenger from the sun's rays. With only the sun protection cover, the passenger area remains largely open on the sides and rear. On the other hand, with the weather protection cover, the cabin is completely closed when the side windows are up, ensuring effective protection against rain
The complete convertible top, including the mechanical elements, weighs only 18.3 kg, which is 7.6 kg less than the 718 Spyder's top and 16.3 kg less than the 718 Boxster's.
When weather conditions permit, the convertible top can be left at home to lighten the car by 8 kg.
SPORT CHASSIS: PRECISION AND AGILITÝ
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS incorporates components from both the 718 Cayman
GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder.
Engineered for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads, the chassis comes standard with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system with sport tuning and a 30 mm lower ride height. It is also equipped with the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system with a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, ball-joint support bearings, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. The chassis provides the car with exceptional directional precision, outstanding agility, and neutral cornering behavior. Ground clearance, camber, track width, and stabilizer bar can be individually adjusted. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the damping and spring rates have been reduced to achieve a characteristic setup for a convertible model.
