2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS

The combustion engine is systematically being culled, and in some scenarios, it seems more tragic than ever. The current Cayman and Boxster ranges represent the last combustion-engined versions since Porsche has confirmed that future 718s will be all-electric, and many a gearhead will be mourning the loss extensively. And so, we've been waiting with bated breath for the arrival of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS as a fitting tribute, singing the song of a naturally aspirated flat-six engine once last time - and it has finally arrived. Powered by the high-revving naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine from the 911 GT3, the 718 Spyder RS harnesses 493 horsepower to sprint to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. Drop-top thrills just got a whole new meaning.

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The release date for the Porsche 718 RS Spyder is set for Spring 2024, when it will arrive in dealerships in the USA. A public premiere is scheduled for June 2023, however, as an apt celebration of the 75 years of Porsche sports cars.

The automaker has set the starting price of the 2024 Porsche 718 RS Spyder at $160,700, excluding the delivery and processing fees of $1,450. This is quite a bit higher than we'd originally speculated, but given everything this car represents and embodies, buyers aren't likely to regret spending it.

Buyers also get exclusive access to a handcrafted chronograph by Porsche Design, which matches the car's configuration with a titanium case, a carbon fiber dial, and a strap made of the leather found inside the Spyder RS. The rotor on the back will mirror the wheel design on your new 718 Spyder RS drop-top.

There aren't many direct rivals for this car, as there is no equivalent BMW Z4 or Audi TT Roadster that can hope to keep up with the 718 Spyder RS. For less money, though, one has to consider the excellent Chevy Corvette Z06 Convertible. It's a much larger car, so probably won't feel quite as agile as the Porsche, but that V8 is something special.

As is expected of an RS model, the 718 Spyder RS wears a much more striking outfit than the standard Boxster models, and the customary bits and bobs that indicate the performance-minded focus are all in place. The fabric manual-folding roof is a given, and while there's no giant rear wing on this model, there is an elegant ducktail spoiler that is a little bigger and shapelier than the one on the regular 718 Spyder. Whereas the 718 Cayman GT4 RS has a much more prominent front spoiler lip necessary for aero balance in relation to that gigantic rear wing, the 718 Spyder RS has a shorter lip up front.

The fabric soft-top is something special. It comes with a sunshield and a weather protector, and both parts are completely removable to stow away. The single-layer soft-top can be used with just the sunshield, if you want, but the weather protector will ensure rain and other adverse weather remains outside. Most importantly, the soft-top is lightweight, weighing in at just a little over 40 pounds - a saving of more than 16 lbs over the base 718 Spyder. Putting the top up doesn't require two pairs of hands, and with a bit of practice, can be done in just a few minutes.

Other exterior details about the Spyder RS include the lightweight CFRP hood, which boasts the two NACA ducts we saw in early pictures. There is a wide inlet above the front bumper that helps to direct airflow. Along the outer edges of the bumper, there are sideblades to aid in downforce, and the air intakes ahead of the rear wheels - and those mounted atop the arches on the haunches of the Spyder RS - identify the car's RS persona. These last-mentioned intakes sit near the driver and passenger's head and create a "wonderful induction noise," according to Porsche. But more than just the musicality, these feed air to the engine.

As expected, the Weissach Package is available for the Spyder RS, and it will equip specific, lightweight forged magnesium wheels when equipped. This package also upgrades the standard stainless steel exhaust system with a titanium system. As the aim is weight reduction, the Weissach Pack also adds an exposed carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber air scoops along the sides, and a Gurney flap on the rear spoiler made of the lightweight material.

As for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS's exterior colors, buyers can choose from four standard colors and three metallics. The palette includes a new hue called Vanadium Grey Metallic, as well as the special colors Arctic Grey, Shark Blue, and Ruby Star Nero.

Official dimensions for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS aren't too different from the standard variant, but it is slightly shorter in length, a smidge wider, and it sits lower to the ground. Core measurements for the Spyder RS are a length of 174 inches, a width with mirrors folded of 71.8 inches, and a height of 49.3 inches. The wheelbase comes in at 97.7 inches.

The regular 718 Spyder has a curb weight of 3,273 pounds with the PDK transmission, and Porsche notes that the new 718 Spyder RS convertible weighs 59 lbs less: curb weight comes in at 3,214 lbs, although it could drop as low as 3,090-odd lbs in its lightest specification, according to the automaker.

In the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, the engine isn't just crucial for its motivational power or as a swan song to the ICE 718 lineup - for enthusiasts, the aural thrill of an RS-spiced Porsche is just as vital, and this one will be even sweeter. The 718 Spyder RS shares its engine with its GT4 RS sibling, and the naturally-aspirated mid-mounted 4.0-liter flat-six isn't unfamiliar. It's also been used in the 911 GT3 and is as beloved for its roar as it is for that 9,000-rpm redline.

Outputs are 493 hp and 331 lb-ft, the latter peaking at 6,250 rpm. It's this setup that allows the GT4 RS to hit 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. As in the raucous RS coupe, the Spyder RS will have a seven-speed PDK, which we love for its split-second downshifts when needed. Sending power to the rear wheels, the setup allows the 718 Spyder RS to make the 0-60 mph sprint in the same time as the GT4 RS without any penalties for lobbing off the roof. Top speed is 191 mph.

Don't let its leisurely drop-top designation fool you, though; there's a reason Porsche has spent hours at the Green Hell perfecting the RS Spyder. It's tipped to be as thrilling to drive as the GT4 RS, with the added benefit of its GT designation: It comes with standard Porsche Active Suspension Management with sport calibration and Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear limited slip differential. Sharper steering and agile handling were the brief for the Spyder RS, but spring and damper rates more in line with a relaxed drive give the spicy 718 Spyder a more traditional convertible-like feel.

No official gas mileage specs are available yet, but we can base figures on the GT4 RS, with which it shares an engine and a similar curb weight. The 718 GT4 RS manages 15/19/16 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles, so the 718 Spyder RS should be just about one mpg worse off on each cycle.

A 16.9-gallon fuel tank is standard fare on the 718 range, so expect to get about 250 miles to a tank - if you drive without giving into temptation and unleashing the six-cylinder's wail.

The Spyder RS will sit atop the 718 range, and while it's certainly focused on performance and driving thrills, it doesn't mean it'll be short on basic comforts and conveniences inside. Porsche notes that the interior is functional with only the ergonomic essentials, however. You'll find a Race-Tex GT Sport steering wheel with a yellow 12-o'clock marker and two full buckets seats covered in black leather with perforated center panels. The inserts can be had in red or Arctic Grey

The seats in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS come with partial power adjustment as in the GT4 RS, and are made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon weave finish. The cabin is strewn with model-identifying embroidery, and the Weissach Pack will add bespoke embroidered logos on the headrests and cloth top.

The instrument dials are special in terms of color and logo. Features like automatic climate control, cruise control, park assist with a reverse camera, a 4.6-inch color instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and HD Radio, and the RS-bonus Track Precision App will likely be included as standard, and buyers will probably have the same upgrade options for the sound system as you'd have in the regular 718 Spyder. This means Bose and Burmester setups should be available - or you could save 13 lbs by opting for the sound system delete entirely. We'd be quite happy to hear nothing but the flat-six, personally, though.

As for cargo space in the Porsche 718 RS Spyder, it mirrors the standard 718 Spyder. That means a luggage compartment front (5.2 cubic feet) and rear (4.2 cubic feet), along with storage space in each door, and two cupholders. It doesn't really matter, though, as no one will be buying one of these to carry any cargo, other than the helmet and gloves you need for a track day.