2023 Porsche 718 Spyder RS 4.0L 7AT RWD (500 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Porsche created the 2024 718 Spyder RS for those who wanted to enjoy a day at the track under the open sky but still comfortably drive it on regular roads.

Unlike the 2019 718 Spyder, the 2024 model year had significant upgrades in many areas, so customers wouldn’t complain that it was too harsh on the road. However, it still had a motorsports-derived powerplant from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car. On the other hand, it could provide a comfortable ride thanks to its adjustable suspension that could be altered. Hence, the one behind the wheel fine-tunes it for road or track use. In addition, the interior was suitable for long-distance travel since it featured all the amenities someone would need, depending on the options.

Up front, the automaker kept the headlights sporting a black background from other 718 Boxster/Cayman versions but with a different front bumper. It was slightly longer to improve aerodynamics. It wasn’t shaped like that just for the look. On its upper side, it featured a vent that released hot air from a radiator, while the apron was split into three parts, and each of them helped to cool something. However, neither of them was for the front brakes. For those, Porsche added two functional vents on the lid of the frunk, which was available in exposed carbon fiber for vehicles fitted with the Weissach package.

From its profile, the redesigned carbon fiber front fenders featured a pair of vents on their upper side that released the air trapped inside the wheel well to decrease lifting forces. The car’s aluminum door panels were also specific to the 718 Spyder RS, and behind them, there were new significant details. Unlike any other of its Boxster siblings, the side scoops were just to cool the engine behind the cabin, while above them, on both sides, the automaker placed air intakes for the engine, which produced a seductive induction noise. The rear deck featured a double-bubble design, resembling the old and glorious race cars that brought Porsche on top of the Targa Florio race. The automaker also considered adding a fabric roof to the car, albeit that was a two-part system, so the automaker called it a “Bimini top.” It wasn’t a convenient solution, but Porsche offered it just in case. Behind the trunk’s lid, Porsche installed a fixed spoiler that resembled the ducktail of other famous race cars from the carmaker’s history.

Inside, customers were greeted by standard bucket seats with Alcantara upholstery. While these were ideal for racing, they were not that much comfortable on the road since they had just two-way adjustments. Their seatbacks with integrated headrests couldn’t be tilted in any way. Those who wanted to spend more time on public roads than on tracks could opt for a set of comfort seats with high bolstered areas and heating. Fronting the driver was the regular 718 Boxster instrument cluster with the tachometer in the middle flanked by the speedometer on the left and a 4.6-inch color display on the right. The automaker also added a seven-inch touchscreen for the PCM infotainment system placed on the center stack, while the center console housed several buttons. As part of the available Weissach package, Porsche covered the dashboard with Alcantara to reduce glare.

However, the real value of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS was underneath its skin. The automaker transplanted the flat-six, four-liter naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 Cup racer and dropped it behind the cabin of the 718. It could rev up to 9,000 rpm. The automaker paired it with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK transmission that sent all the oomph to the rear wheels via Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical limited-slip differential. For better cornering speeds, the car had a 30 mm (1.2-inch) lower suspension than the regular 718 Boxster and featured standard PASM (Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management).