In the rapidly changing world of car manufacture and ownership the rise of the electric vehicle (EV) seems unstoppable. That said, there is still life in the internal combustion engine (ICE) yet as German prestige car maker Porsche have announced the continued development of ICE power-plants for the foreseeable future. It’s a sensible viewpoint; there is, after all, room for both. Urban and suburban dwellers could favour the EV day-to-day while those who travel long distances on the open road may prefer to resort to the modern versions of internal combustion. Either way, Porsche now seem to have it covered. So today, this one’s for the petrol-heads:
The Porsche 911’s mid-engined sibling formerly known as the Cayman (coupé) or the Boxster (convertible) has grown up and like it’s big brother (and The Prisoner for those with long memories) is known only by a number: 718.
This mid-engined model has always been a delight to drive and complements the bigger and more powerful 911 perfectly. At the top of the range is the car that features here: The Spyder RS ; very possibly the best sports car in this sector.
Outside The Car
The front end of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is almost identical to the front end of the regular 718 Cayman. The front bonnet (hood) is made of carbon fibre as standard. The two air intakes enhance brake cooling without adversely affecting the drag coefficient. The front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on other versions. Instead of a wing, the Spyder RS features a striking tear-off edge shaped like a duck-tail. All aerodynamic components are intricately coordinated to maintain the car’s aerodynamic balance and ensure maximum driving stability at high speeds.
The Soft-Top
The 718 Spyder RS comes with a manually operated single-layer lightweight soft-top. The design is amazingly compact, consisting of two parts: a ‘sun sail’ and a weather deflector. Both are completely removable and can be stowed together or singly in the vehicle. The ‘sun sail’ alone can also be used as a ‘Bimini top’, thereby protecting the driver and front passenger from intense sunlight. In this case, the passenger compartment remains largely open to the elements at the side and behind the passengers.
Together with the weather deflector, this creates a complete top that provides effective protection against rain when the side windows are raised. The entire roof is very light but drivers who wish to shave an additional eight kilograms from the weight of the vehicle can leave the top at home entirely, weather allowing, obviously.
Performance Interior
A sporty character defines the inside of the car too: the interior is reduced to functional and ergonomic essentials, just as it should be in a sports car. The grippy RS sports steering wheel is covered with Race-Tex material and features a yellow top-dead-centre marking.
Like the bonnet, the standard full bucket seats are made of lightweight carbon fibre in a carbon-weave finish and offer particularly impressive lateral support to really grip the occupants. The seat covers are made of black leather, while the perforated Race-Tex seat centre features a contrasting colour with a black background. The contrasting colours are Arctic Grey or Carmine Red as options. A ‘Spyder RS’ logo in the corresponding colour is embroidered on the headrests.
The Drive
The power-train of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the closed coupé 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The six-cylinder boxer engine, with its cylinder displacement of 4.0 litres, revs up to 9,000 rpm and generates an output of 493BHP (368 kW / 500 PS) and maximum torque of 450 Newton metres. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the six-cylinder engine catapults the two-seater roadster from 0-62mph (100 km/h) in a lightning-quick 3.4 seconds. The car hits the 124mph (200 km/h) mark in just 10.9 seconds.
Like every modern Porsche RS model, the 718 Spyder RS is available exclusively with the Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK). This gearbox shifts through its seven gears at lightning speed and guarantees maximum performance. The gear-shift paddles allow drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel even when shifting gears manually. Alternatively, the driver can use the ergonomically designed selector lever on the centre console. In addition to the more powerful engine, the new model’s lower weight also contributes to better performance too.
The chassis of this Porsche sports car uses components from the aforementioned 718 Cayman GT4 RS and is designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads. It comes standard with ‘Porsche Active Suspension Management’ with sports tuning and has been lowered by 30mm to further improve handling. The car also features ‘Porsche Torque Vectoring’ with mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20 inch forged aluminium wheels.
On the road, the behaviour of the chassis is characterised by razor-sharp steering precision, as well as agile and extremely neutral handling, for which the Cayman has always been noted. The ride height, camber, track and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually.
The Options
A ‘Weissach Package’ is available for the Spyder RS as an option. In combination with this emphatically sporty equipment package, a particularly light, optional magnesium forged wheel can be ordered, which reduces the unsprung and rotating mass while the sports exhaust system tailpipes are made of titanium for longevity.
A visual highlight from this package inside the car is the upper part of the dashboard is covered with anti-glare Race-Tex. Why, there’s even a special matching wrist watch available! At extra cost, naturally.
Importing a Porsche from the UK
We export cars from the UK to 27 destinations around the world including Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Mauritius and Kenya. Our flexible import service includes VAT reclaim so you get the instant 20% discount on the price. Take a look a the current VAT qualifying Porsche vehicles for sale in the UK today, both ICE and electric. From SUV models to sporting delights like the legendary 911 GT3 RS, get in touch to talk to us about importing your next car.
