Greatest Open-Top Mid-Engine Porsche Ever: The 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS
Porsche stuffs a GT3 engine in a mid-engine roadster to create the 2024 718 Spyder RS.
Remember that new Porsche model that I wrote about a week ago? The rumor was a 911 ST tribute could be coming. And it very well may. But the big Porsche new model news of the day is the recent announcement of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS. Take the brilliant 718 Cayman GT4 RS and add a million miles of headroom and you have the new 718 Spyder RS. “With an engine taken directly from racing, the 718 Spyder RS offers a driving experience like no other,” says Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Slicing around a tight corner with the top off and the engine soaring to 9,000 rpm is an experience you will never forget.”
Drool. The Porsche Club of America is already saying that the 718 Spyder RS could be Porsche’s best mid-engined sports car ever. I could not agree more. In fact, several months ago I reached out to my local dealer and asked to have my name put on the list for one of these. I love my 911 Turbo S, but a Spyder RS is one car that I could trade it for. Of course, this being an ‘RS’ Porsche and me being a mere mortal it is unlikely I will ever get an allocation. But if my dealer comes through, stay tuned here because I will surely be reporting all about it on these pages. In the meantime, all I can do is dream like everyone else. So, what exactly am I dreaming about?
718 Spyder RS
I am dreaming about what could be one of the best Porsche sports cars ever made. And that is a bold statement. It won’t set the fastest lap times. It will not be the most powerful. But none of that matters. It is all about the experience. And this car promises to deliver one hell of an experience. The 911 GT3 engine nestled against your back makes the same 493 horsepower here as it does in the GT4 RS. The same 9,000 rpm redline. But in open top form you get even more of a thrill.
Damon Lowney from PCA writes: “The sound that flat six makes on its way to the 9,000 rpm redline will surely raise the hairs on the back of your neck, particularly when considering the placement of the engine air intakes, or combustion scoops, as Porsche calls them. They’re located directly behind the driver and passenger side windows, little snorkels in place of the GT4 RS’s rear-quarter-window intakes.”
Spyder or Cayman?
The 718 Spyder RS will have no trouble carving up corners, but it is not as stiff and focused as the Cayman GT4 RS. The spring and damper rates have been reduced for Spyder duty. This should allow for a more relaxed drive. But don’t expect it to ride like a 1970s Cadillac. The ride height, toe, camber, and anti-roll bars are all adjustable. PASM with sport calibration is standard and is lowered by 30 millimeters. The Spyder RS like the Cayman GT4 RS will offer an optional Weissach Package. And like in the Cayman it includes plenty of extra carbon fiber and a 935-style exhaust. If you are the type that likes extra goodies, you will be happy to hear that a matching Porsche Design Chronograph is available.
How Much?
MSRP is expected to be $160,700. Of course, with the markups we are seeing on the Cayman GT4 RS, we suspect that actual transaction prices will be much higher. The car is expected to arrive at U.S. dealers in the spring of 2024. It will make its first public appearance in June as part of the celebration marking 75 years of Porsche cars. It is then expected to make another appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. I am going to ping my dealer right now to see if I can land one of these special roadsters. If anyone has a lead let me know.
Photos: Porsche
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