Porsche 718 Spyder RS debuts with a 493bhp-cranking flat-six

If you thought the 718 Cayman GT4 RS was the final 718 model with the iconic Porsche naturally aspirated flat-six, then you are wrong. We have been hearing many rumours surrounding a roofless 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and finally, the all-new 718 Spyder RS is out. This is the first mid-engined Porsche open-top sports car with the 4.0-litre flat-six engine seen with the 911 GT3 and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. 

The highlight of the 718 Spyder RS, just like its hard-topped sibling, is performance. The 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six is rear mid-mounted and it cranks out 493bhp and 450Nm of twist. Apart from the oomph, this engine is known to be extremely symphonic, thanks to its 9000rpm redline. A short-ratio seven-speed PDK gearbox is mated to the engine, and all the power is routed to the rear wheels. The 718 Spyder RS can gallop to 100kmph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds and can attain a top speed of 308kmph. Compared to the Cayman GT4 RS, the 718 Spyder RS is 7kmph slower. In addition to this, the 718 Spyder RS packs 79bhp more than the standard 718 Spyder. 

The 718 Spyder RS weighs 1410kg, and Porsche has managed to shed some weight, making it 40kg lighter than the 718 Spyder and 5kg lighter than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The extensive use of carbonfibre reinforced plastic parts such as the front bonnet, the front splitter, and the bucket seats contribute to the weight savings. Also, the addition of a manually operated two-part lightweight soft-top and the 20-inch forged aluminium wheels contribute further to the weight savings. 

The 718 Spyder RS will be made available with the optional Weissach package. The package will bring you the option to choose forged magnesium wheels, a titanium sports exhaust system, a Race-Tex wrapped dashboard, and a handcrafted chronograph by Porsche Design Timepieces. 

As for the design elements, the 718 Spyder RS is not a carbon copy of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Apart from the identical front-end design, the 718 Spyder RS sports a shorter front lip compared to the GT4 RS and a ducktail-style spoiler instead of a huge rear wing. Additionally, the 718 Spyder RS sports other aerodynamic components similar to the GT4 RS such as the dual intake vents, and curtain vents on the sides.  

The similarities with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS continue, especially in the chassis department. The 718 Spyder RS comes standard with sports-tuned Porsche Active Suspension Management and has also been lowered by 30mm, but the springs and dampers have been tuned to be more relaxed than the GT4 RS’ setup. This performance roadster also gets a mechanical limited-slip differential. 

The cabin of the 718 Spyder RS mirrors the sporty exterior and gets a Race-Tex wrapped RS sports steering wheel and CFRP bucket seats. As standard, the 718 Spyder RS gets seat covers made of black leather, and you can choose the seat centre in either of these two contrasting colours: Arctic Grey and Carmine Red. The dashboard layout is the same as it has been with the other 718 models with a 7-inch touchscreen display. 

Internationally, the Spyder RS costs exactly the same as the Cayman GT4 RS, which means that it will likely be priced at Rs 2.7 crore (ex-showroom) in base spec, after which you can go wild with the options.