This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual Porsches of recent years, and in more ways than one. However, you might think that the Stuttgart firm is starting to pull the strings a bit too much with special series and variants, but the new 718 Spyder RS, which is directly derived from the 718 GT4 RS, may offer the best driving experience.

For what ? Simply because he participates the famous 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine based on the 911 GT3 on the one hand, but also because the intake system is located, as on the GT4 RS, directly behind the pilot’s ears. Additionally, the soft top can be manually removed for this version of the Spyder. That’s why we let you imagine the auditory sensations on board.

Porsche 718 Spyder RS: the numbers

So the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, in a few numbers, is 500 hp, 450 Nm of torqueup to 9000 rpm, 1410 kg on the scalesshot from 0 to 100 km/h 3.4 secondsfrom 0 to 200 km/h 10.9 seconds and advertised top speed 308 km/h. This version of the RS weighs 40 kg less than the more “classic” Spyder.

Like the GT4 RS, the Spyder RS ​​is only available with a seven-speed PDK transmission. Even if 75% of customers would prefer the PDK, fair enough for universal use, especially since this gearbox is excellent, a manual transmission version would probably have its place in the catalog, especially knowing that this is probably the last thermal gearbox gears Boxster in history. By 2025, with the new generation, the Cayman and Boxster models will go fully electric.

The car is equipped as standard with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), a chassis lowered by 30 mm, Porsche Torque Vectoring with mechanical locking of the rear differential and an independent height and camber control system, as well as an anti-roll bar. Recalibrated suspension and shock absorbers and 20-inch forged alloy wheels complete the package.

“The light is always right”

Aesthetically, the Spyder RS ​​takes on the basic codes of the 718 GT4 RS. We find a carbon fiber hood, NACA outlets, side deflectors to increase downforce or even a ducktail rear wing. So the good news is that the engineers didn’t go so far as to combine the spoiler with gooseneck support on the convertible.

Inside, it’s largely the same spirit as the GT4 RS. We get thin carbon fiber seats, no complex (and heavy) technology and no redundant screens. The structure of the canopy weighs only 18.3 kg (7.8kg less than the Spyder), a feat only possible for the removable roof system due to the lack of a mechanism. Everything is done by hand.

Last of the Mohicans?

This is how the formidable saga of the Boxster (at least in the heat) ends, a series that began almost 30 years ago with a “joke” and a successful concept car. to convince the management of the time to make it a serial vehicle. In 1993, this model was called simply “Porsche Boxter”. Today, the number of suffixes attached to it is sometimes endless, but one thing is certain, we will certainly remember this 718 Spyder RS ​​as one of the best versions in Boxster history.

The Porsche 718 RS Spyder will not be a limited edition, but as usual with Porsche, with a limited number of dealers, the order forms are certainly already allocated, at least for this year and next. Anyway, if you can afford to pay approximately €155,000 in base priceminus the options and penalties, it’s a safe bet that you won’t be disappointed, quite the opposite.