The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS in this test is actually the ultimate form of the Porsche Boxster
The last analogue mid-engined Porsche
Actually, the Porsche 718 Spyder is the ultimate form of the Porsche Boxster, only it is no longer called a Boxster. And somehow that is also appropriate, because this is the Boxster beyond.
Another new variant of the 718?
Yes, and you kind of saw this one coming. Because after the 718 Cayman had borrowed all GT stuff from the 911 GT3, something similar had to happen with the Boxster, excuse me: 718 Boxster. And because the ‘regular’ Spyder is not called a Boxster either, this results in the 718 Spyder RS. In short, the open Cayman GT4 RS.
So it’s nice and easy to score?
Not too bad, because quite a lot of work has been done to make the Spyder RS something special. The engine and gearbox are one-to-one, but the chassis has been sharpened considerably, the springs and dampers have been adjusted considerably softer, for example. This is a car that is for the public road and that you can use on the track. Instead of the Cayman, which is for the track and can be used on public roads. So although the chassis is certainly sturdy, you can easily travel long distances with it. Even with the dampers in sport mode, the Porsche is really not hard. Wonderfully communicative. Truly a car that gets better when you listen to it.
Much less downforce, because a much smaller spoiler.
Speaking of listening, how’s the engine?
Great, that 4-liter six-cylinder boxer from the GT3, which can handle 9,000 rpm, sounds like a clock anyway. From 3,000 it starts to pull and the last 3,000 rpm are particularly spectacular, rarely did 500 hp feel so fast. And because the air inlet is next to your ear and the roof can be removed, you get an incomparable sound experience. It really is a crazy party and that also applies to the PDK box.
Because the inlet is next to your ear, the sound experience is great.
Is it much heavier than the Cayman?
No, in fact: it is 5 kilos lighter with the same options and if you leave the thank you tent at home another 8 kilos. Incidentally, that roof tent is completely manual and it takes some work to get it on. So in a sudden shower you are wet before it is over. That sounds a bit shabby for a sports car that should cost more than 2.5 tons, and in fact it is. And yet this doesn’t just feel like the ultimate Boxster, but arguably the best mid-engined sports car Porsche ever built.
Basically a decade old and you can see it. Quite a lot of buttons.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl