Porsche’s New 718 Spyder RS Is a GT3-Powered Drop-Top Hot-Rod

• Porsche reveals its newest high-performance creation, the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, as a sibling to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

• Fitted with a 4.0-liter flat-six engine making 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and a GT3 Touring-like interior, the 718 Spyder RS is set for delivery in spring 2024.

• With an electric 718 chassis on the way, Porsche is reminding everyone that it can build a hyper-engaging ICE hot rod, for the price of $162,150.

Porsche's 718 chassis models—the current generation Boxster and Cayman—are already supremely good cars. Built around a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis with flat-four and flat-six cylinder powertrain options, 718-chassis cars are genuine competitors for their sibling 911 models these days.

At times, this internal rivalry can pose a model hierarchical challenge for Porsche, but it's unlikely that company executives lose sleep over having two fantastic chassis in production.

In fact, it appears Porsche executives have actually pondered their success with the Cayman GT4 RS, as they announce the launch of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS. Built as a sort of internal parts-bin hot rod, the folks in Stuttgart are adding to the 718 RS lineup, but top-down this time.

Using the 4.0-liter flat-six from the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car, the new 718 Spyder RS will boast 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, funneled through a short-ratio 7-speed PDK transmission. All this power and relatively short gearing make the model good for 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds (0.5 seconds faster than the outgoing 718 Spyder) and a top speed of 191 mph.

Straight-line speed has always been secondary to handling prowess in Porsches, especially in the case of the 718. And the 718 Spyder RS is no different, with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) fitted as well as a 1.1-inch suspension drop.

Active torque vectoring, ball-joint type suspension bearings, and a mechanical limited-slip differential are also standard. Porsche says the ride height, toe, camber, and anti-roll bars are all adjustable, though the damper and spring rates have been reduced to match convertible mannerisms.