soulsea

You’re misunderstanding what I am saying. I’m not comparing the BRS to cars that aren’t available any more. The 718 4RS/BRS are the only two Caymans that have ever rocked the GT3/3RS engine. For me a person who doesn’t track street cars, I have no use for the GT3/4RS, in fact I passed on my 3RS allocation by choice because after my 2RS and GT Black Series I came to terms that what the hell am I doing with 747 wings on my way to Trader Joe’s … but the idea of having that NA GT engine in a lighter car, the size of long gone 911s, is beyond appealing, in fact it is the most appealing thing short of the ST.

Perspective is everything … forever purists have bemoaned the ever increasing bloated size of the 911. The BRS, despite its lack of a manual, is fundamentally a lighter version of GT3RS cab … I can’t imagine anyone not being on board with that. I’m pretty sure it will age way better than the 4RS. Although I do hope people don’t ‘get it’ so I can have a better chance at it.

GrantG

Understood, but there will be a 992 version of Speedster too. But I take it that’s not really what you want…

signes

How many are they making? Would be epic with a manual. Top down and PDK feels like a miss.

soulsea

We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

For now I love the idea of a 4RS with a 3RS engine without a hat or wing.

soulsea

If you’ve ever driven a manual Cayman it will make you wish manuals didn’t exist … they are an affront to the automotive gods, unless of course you enjoy 75mph in second gear.

Porsche, as opposed to the 911, decided to not create a bespoke manual transmission for that platform, as a result it is one that no matter how much one loves a manual, it is just better with the PDK.

IMO

cosmos

We need to set expectations for the ST. If you think it is a “track car” it’s not, it’s more touring than GT3 and certainly not an RS.

GrantG

Agree. I expect it to be the 992 version of the 911R. Even so, it will be very fun on both road and track…

soulsea

Just to clarify my GT desirability hierarchy.

1. ST (3RS Touring manual)
2. BRS (lighter 3RS cab)
3. GT3 Touring or winged manual
4. GT4RS PDK
5. GT3RS (meh)
6. GT3 Touring or winged PDK

Boxster Coupe GTS

"Porsche 718 Spyder RS becomes the pinnacle of the mid-engined family" (Press Release)



(10 May 2023)

Thirty years after the presentation of the Boxster concept car, Porsche is launching the most powerful version yet of the popular mid-engined roadster: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS. For the first time, the high-revving naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 is being deployed in an open-topped mid-engined sports car.

Porsche crowns the 718 mid-engined model line with a sports car designed for maximum driving pleasure: the new 718 Spyder RS is the open-top counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. For the first time, the 368 kW (500 PS; 718 Spyder RS: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 13.0 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 294 g/km,911 GT3: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 12.9 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 293 g/km) naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer from the 911 GT3 features in an open-topped mid-engined sports car. The same lightweight power unit with its high-revving design also powers the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car. The exceptionally lightweight and purist-pleasing manual soft-top roof of the 718 Spyder RS makes the highly evocative sound of the engine an even more compelling experience. The effect is further heightened by the standard lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system and the distinctive process air inlets on the sides behind the headrests.

High-revving naturally aspirated engine and resolutely lightweight construction

The powertrain of the new 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe. The six-cylinder boxer engine, with its cylinder displacement of 4.0 litres, revs up to 9,000 rpm and generates an output of 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 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The car hits the 200-km/h mark in just 10.9 seconds. Compared to the 718 Spyder without the ‘RS’ designation, the new range-topper not only benefits from an additional 59 kW (80 PS), but also accelerates to 100 km/h half a second faster. The top speed is now 308 km/h instead of 300 km/h.









Like every modern RS model, the new 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 gearshift 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: at 1,410 kilograms, the Spyder RS weighs 40 kg less than the 718 Spyder with PDK and is actually five kilograms lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Spyder RS represents the latest high-water mark of the model line started in 2016.

Balanced aerodynamics

The front end of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is almost identical to the front end of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The standard front bonnet is made of CFRP and features a wide air outlet above the bumper. The two NACA ducts enhance brake cooling without adversely affecting the Cd value. Sideblades on the outer ends of the bumper increase downforce. The front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which in conjunction with its large rear wing produces higher overall downforce on the Cayman and therefore requires a larger spoiler lip to achieve aerodynamic balance. Instead of a wing, the 718 Spyder RS features a striking tear-off edge shaped like a ducktail. All aerodynamic components are intricately coordinated. They maintain the car’s aerodynamic balance and ensure maximum driving stability at high speeds.

Purist soft-top design

The new 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 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, including mechanical parts, weighs just 18.3 kg. That’s 7.6 kg less than the 718 Spyder and 16.5 kg less than in the 718 Boxster. Drivers who wish to shave an additional eight kilograms from the weight of the vehicle can leave the top at home entirely, weather allowing.

Sports suspension of the highest precision and agility

The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder and is designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads. It comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with sports tuning and has been lowered by 30 millimetres. It also features Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. The behaviour of the chassis is characterised by razor-sharp steering precision, as well as agile and extremely neutral handling. The ride height, camber, track and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, spring and damper rates have been reduced to achieve a more relaxed, characteristically convertible-style set-up.

Performance-focused interior

A sporty character defines the inside of the car too: the interior is reduced to the functional and ergonomic essentials. The grippy RS sports steering wheel is covered with Race-Tex and features a yellow 12-o'clock marking. The standard full bucket seats are made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish and offer particularly impressive lateral support. 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.









A ‘Spyder RS’ logo in the corresponding colour is embroidered on the headrests. The dashboard and trims are covered with leather. Available exterior colours include four plain and three metallic paints, including the new Vanadium Grey Metallic as well as the special colours Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.

Optional Weissach Package and matching chronograph

A Weissach Package is also available for the Spyder RS as an option. The exceptionally lightweight, optional forged magnesium wheels can be ordered in combination with this particularly performance-focused equipment package. The sports exhaust system tailpipes here are made of titanium. The look is inspired by the limited-edition 935 from 2018. A visual highlight inside the car is the upper part of the dashboard covered with anti-glare Race-Tex. Exclusively available to buyers of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is a Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph – a premium-quality watch from Porsche’s in-house watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland. Designed to match the configuration of the car, the particularly lightweight case is made of titanium, the dial is made of carbon and the strap is made out of vehicle leather. The rotor on the back echoes the respective wheel rim design on the 718 Spyder RS.



“The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars. “The combination of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and maximum openness offers an extremely compelling and unfiltered driving experience.”

The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS celebrates its public premiere in June at the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports Cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

Press Release: https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2023...ere-32257.html

sparetireless

slant nose option?

DontLift

OK - I'll be super contrarian (and internally inconsistent) - I own and drive (hard) my CGTs, 57 Speedster, GT4 (first Gen), Sport Classic, GT4RS (I like my first gen gt4 better and soon Dakar and GT3RS I just spec'd AND I am super psyched about the ST - because of the "whole package" which has at its core the three pedals. Now here is where I'm contrarian - I LOVE the Spyder RS - Something about the intakes over the ears and GT suspension that gets me going. Not sure where it fits into my lineup - and don't really care ... Loved my first gen Boxster Spyder too but something about cracking off perfect up and downshifts via the PDF that gets me going.... Shoot me but thats my weird take and why that and the ST are prolly gonna be "keepers"

unotaz

I'm with you 100% on the ST and the Spyder RS, both cars are looking to be keepers for me.

I, however, have low expectation on the 3RS. I feel that car has too much downforce with too little power, but we will see when the car shows up on my driveway. I still haven't warmed up to the Sport Classic either

GrantG

Really doesn’t seem underpowered here:

unotaz

What is the top speed on the straights in the last section of the Ring?

How about tracks like Portimao, Monza, and Spa?

520hp with 1800lbs of downforce? Come on. I can totally see the 3RS catches cars in braking into the corner and during the corner. On the exit of the corner, if the car ahead of you is a 720S/F8 Tributo and he doesn't let off his gas, you will have a hard time passing that car.

GrantG

I think it goes about 180mph (290kph) on the Ring in the Sport Auto video (full lap). Going fast in a straight line is nice but overrated (particularly when it comes at the expense of other objective and subjective driving aspects).