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Lengthy earlier than it first arrived on the scene, the brand new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS simply made sense. It stuffed a spot within the line-up that solely such a automobile may match completely into.
After some ramblings about how a 4 RS may change into a PR nightmare for Porsche—with it prone to impose itself too deep into GT3 territory—the automobile was unveiled, and each the automaker and its consumers have by no means seemed again.
Certainly, it was the proper candidate to finish Porsche’s 4-3-2 RS trifecta. Much more energy, much more aero, completely balanced as ever. As a part of the RS membership, consumers are additionally now in a position to unlock the quintessential Weissach Package deal for the primary time in a Cayman mannequin.
On paper and in concept, it stays in subordination to the highest canine 911 fashions. In actuality nonetheless, many have argued that the 4 RS has been purposely underrated in order to not upset the established hierarchy…
Precedent Setting
Historically, RS fashions have been the gold customary for Porsche highway automobile efficiency with a concentrate on attaining the quickest lap instances doable at observe and membership racer occasions. Living proof: all GT3 RS and GT2 RS have been completely outfitted with the lightning-quick-shifting PDK transmission because the starting of the 991-generation.
Whereas that philosophy hasn’t modified with the brand new GT4 RS per se, Porsche has been keen to forgo absolute pragmatism in favor of a little bit of purist-pleasing enjoyable. Living proof: the model new 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS.
This slight tweak to a as soon as inflexible philosophy means that you could now expertise top-down driving on the highest echelons of RS efficiency. One other “first” from Porsche.
Relying on who you ask, the Spyder RS is both the worst saved secret ever, or a whole shock. These within the former camp would’ve seen this coming from miles away, provided that the common GT4 fashions have been additionally provided as “twins” in each the Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder.
The remainder have been in all probability considering {that a} convertible model—with its related aerodynamic penalties, et al—wouldn’t be appropriate with the thought of what an RS mannequin is meant to be. However, the Spyder RS is right here, and I don’t know a Porsche fanatic who isn’t blissful that it’s.
Efficiency & Chassis
To this point, we’ve spoken about how the brand new Spyder RS deviates from what is taken into account customary. Nonetheless, to earn the well-known badge, it does must subscribe to a lot of the orthodox ideas.
That being mentioned, the Spyder RS is powered by the very same drivetrain used within the Cayman GT4 RS—a 4.0L naturally-aspirated flat-6 engine which revs as much as 9,000 rpm, produces 493 hp / 331 lb-ft of torque, and is mated completely to a 7-speed PDK transmission.
The marketed 0-60 mph time of three.2 seconds is nearly similar to that of the Cayman GT4 RS, the latter of which has been independently examined as being even faster, additional giving credence to the concept the 718 RS vehicles have been artificially rated decrease on official spec sheets.
In response to Porsche, the Spyder RS will provide a “…extra relaxed, characteristically convertible-style setup” which signifies that the suspension settings have been barely softened in comparison with that within the Cayman GT4 RS. It does nonetheless, stay extra performance-oriented over the common Spyder with options equivalent to PASM, a decrease trip peak, spherical suspension joints, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and 20″ centerlock wheels, offered as customary gear.
Whereas the Spyder RS isn’t concentrating on the lap-time-obsessed demographic of Porsche’s buyer base, it’ll little question provide simply as a lot efficiency as its fixed-roof counterpart to the overwhelming majority of householders; those that have neither the intention nor the resume to search out tenths of seconds on the circuit. That’s higher left within the palms of the Kerns and Bergmeisters of the world, anyway.
In different phrases, the 718 RS vehicles provide the uncommon choice of getting a tough prime or a gentle prime, and this choice ought to finally come all the way down to your preferences.
Design & Inside
Up entrance, the Spyder RS presents familiarly, with the identical fascia as seen on the Cayman GT4 RS, albeit with a shortened entrance splitter to offer extra aerodynamic stability to the wingless (however with ducktail spoiler) convertible. Naturally, the roof and rear silhouette are the place the Spyder RS really distinguishes itself, with a manually-operated cloth roof prime and traditional “clam shell” tonneau offering the anticipated roadster design cues.
Porsche engineers centered a whole lot of their vitality on weight discount too, with the Spyder RS tipping the scales at 1,410 kg—roughly 40 kg lower than the common Spyder. That is thanks largely to a a lot lighter soft-top mechanism, and extra light-weight facilities equivalent to using pull-straps as an alternative of door handles. That’s simply so RS, isn’t it?
For the discerning purchaser who actually desires to spec out their Spyder RS, the Weissach Package deal is a should. Not solely will the automobile change into extra aggressive and carbon-fiber-endowed with this selection chosen, however it’ll be lighter too, with different fixtures equivalent to carbon ceramic brakes and an extremely light-weight titanium exhaust being amongst the choices.
Contained in the cockpit, issues must also really feel very a lot the identical because the Spyder, with carbon bucket seats coming customary with huge roll hoops stationed proper behind. In any other case, solely finer particulars equivalent to stitching, badges and the instrument cluster, will present clues and reminders that you just’re sitting in one thing really particular.
Pricing & Availability
Porsche has acknowledged that the brand new 718 Spyder RS will start arriving at dealerships someday within the spring of 2024. Base MSRP is slated to be $160,700 USD, which is sort of $20,000 USD greater than that of the Cayman GT4 RS, although this premium is typical with different Porsche convertible fashions which have an equal fixed-roof variant.
No phrase but on manufacturing numbers, however I’ve been knowledgeable that present orders have all been spoken for and ready lists are getting longer by the day. In case you’re on the fence, don’t wait round.
We look ahead to offering extra data and content material on the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS—together with journalist critiques and the inevitable Nürburgring lap video—because it turns into obtainable. Keep tuned!
Click here to configure your own Porsche 718 Spyder RS model.
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Official Press Launch
Porsche crowns the 718 mid-engined mannequin line with a sports activities automobile designed for optimum driving pleasure: the brand new 718 Spyder RS is the open-top counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. For the primary time, the 368 kW (500 PS; 718 Spyder RS: Gasoline consumption* mixed (WLTP) 13.0 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* mixed (WLTP) 294 g/km,911 GT3: Gasoline consumption* mixed (WLTP) 12.9 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* mixed (WLTP) 293 g/km) naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer from the 911 GT3 options in an open-topped mid-engined sports activities automobile. The identical light-weight energy unit with its high-revving design additionally powers the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing automobile. The exceptionally light-weight and purist-pleasing guide soft-top roof of the 718 Spyder RS makes the extremely evocative sound of the engine an much more compelling expertise. The impact is additional heightened by the usual light-weight stainless-steel sports activities exhaust system and the distinctive course of air inlets on the perimeters behind the headrests.
Excessive-revving naturally aspirated engine and resolutely light-weight development
The powertrain of the brand new 718 Spyder RS is similar to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe. The six-cylinder boxer engine, with its cylinder displacement of 4.0 litres, revs as much as 9,000 rpm and generates an output of 368 kW (500 PS) and most torque of 450 Newton metres. Mixed with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder engine catapults the two-seater roadster from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The automobile hits the 200-km/h mark in simply 10.9 seconds. In comparison with the 718 Spyder with out the ‘RS’ designation, the brand new range-topper not solely advantages from an extra 59 kW (80 PS), but additionally accelerates to 100 km/h half a second sooner. The highest velocity is now 308 km/h as an alternative of 300 km/h.
Like each trendy RS mannequin, the brand new 718 Spyder RS is accessible completely with the Porsche twin clutch transmission (PDK). This gearbox shifts by means of its seven gears at lightning velocity and ensures most efficiency. The gearshift paddles permit drivers to maintain their palms on the steering wheel even when shifting gears manually. Alternatively, the driving force can use the ergonomically designed selector lever on the centre console. Along with the extra highly effective engine, the brand new mannequin’s decrease weight additionally contributes to higher efficiency: at 1,410 kilograms, the Spyder RS weighs 40 kg lower than the 718 Spyder with PDK and is definitely 5 kilograms lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Spyder RS represents the most recent high-water mark of the mannequin line began in 2016.
Balanced aerodynamics
The entrance finish of the brand new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is sort of similar to the entrance finish of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The usual entrance bonnet is manufactured from CFRP and incorporates a large air outlet above the bumper. The 2 NACA ducts improve brake cooling with out adversely affecting the Cd worth. Sideblades on the outer ends of the bumper enhance downforce. The entrance spoiler lip is barely shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which along side its massive rear wing produces increased total downforce on the Cayman and subsequently requires a bigger spoiler lip to realize aerodynamic stability. As an alternative of a wing, the 718 Spyder RS incorporates a placing tear-off edge formed like a ducktail. All aerodynamic parts are intricately coordinated. They keep the automobile’s aerodynamic stability and guarantee most driving stability at excessive speeds.
Purist soft-top design
The brand new 718 Spyder RS comes with a operated by hand single-layer light-weight soft-top. The design is amazingly compact, consisting of two elements: a solar sail and a climate deflector. Each are utterly detachable and might be stowed collectively or singly within the automobile. The solar sail alone will also be used as a ‘Bimini prime’, thereby defending the driving force and entrance passenger from intense daylight. On this case, the passenger compartment stays largely open to the facet and behind the passengers.
Along with the climate deflector, this creates a whole prime that gives efficient safety in opposition to rain when the facet home windows are raised. The whole roof, together with mechanical elements, weighs simply 18.3 kg. That’s 7.6 kg lower than the 718 Spyder and 16.5 kg lower than within the 718 Boxster. Drivers who want to shave an extra eight kilograms from the burden of the automobile can depart the highest at residence fully, climate permitting.
Sports activities suspension of the very best precision and agility
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS makes use of parts from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder and is designed for optimum driving pleasure on winding roads. It comes customary with Porsche Energetic Suspension Administration (PASM) with sports activities tuning and has been lowered by 30 millimetres. It additionally options Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20-inch cast aluminium wheels. The behaviour of the chassis is characterised by razor-sharp steering precision, in addition to agile and intensely impartial dealing with. The trip peak, camber, observe and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually. In comparison with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, spring and damper charges have been lowered to realize a extra relaxed, characteristically convertible-style set-up.
Efficiency-focused inside
A sporty character defines the within of the automobile too: the inside is lowered to the practical and ergonomic necessities. The grippy RS sports activities steering wheel is roofed with Race-Tex and incorporates a yellow 12-o’clock marking. The usual full bucket seats are manufactured from light-weight CFRP in a carbon-weave end and provide notably spectacular lateral assist. The seat covers are manufactured from black leather-based, whereas the perforated Race-Tex seat centre incorporates a contrasting color with a black background. The contrasting colors are Arctic Gray or Carmine Purple.
A ‘Spyder RS’ brand within the corresponding color is embroidered on the headrests. The dashboard and trims are lined with leather-based. Obtainable exterior colors embrace 4 plain and three metallic paints, together with the brand new Vanadium Gray Metallic in addition to the particular colors Arctic Gray, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.
Optionally available Weissach Package deal and matching chronograph
A Weissach Package deal can be obtainable for the Spyder RS as an choice. The exceptionally light-weight, optionally available cast magnesium wheels might be ordered together with this notably performance-focused gear package deal. The sports activities exhaust system tailpipes listed below are manufactured from titanium. The look is impressed by the limited-edition 935 from 2018. A visible spotlight contained in the automobile is the higher a part of the dashboard lined with anti-glare Race-Tex. Solely obtainable to consumers 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 automobile, the notably light-weight case is manufactured from titanium, the dial is manufactured from carbon and the strap is made out of auto leather-based. The rotor on the again echoes the respective wheel rim design on the 718 Spyder RS.
“The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a brand new degree for open-top vehicles,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Vehicles. “The mixture of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and most openness presents an especially compelling and unfiltered driving expertise.”
The brand new Porsche 718 Spyder RS celebrates its public premiere in June on the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports activities Vehicles in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it’ll make an look on the Goodwood Competition of Velocity in England.
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