UNITED STATES: The highly anticipated release of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS has set the sports car world on fire with its stunning design and unparalleled performance capabilities. This latest addition to Porsche’s legendary lineup of mid-engine roadsters is being hailed as the pinnacle of open-top driving, thanks to its highly emotional engine and lightweight construction.
The new 718 Spyder RS features an engine taken directly from racing, as the high-revving naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 powers an open-top, mid-engine sports car for the first time. This results in a driving experience like no other, with the engine soaring to 9,000 rpm and delivering up to 493 horsepower and 331 lb.-ft. of torque.
With a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the 718 Spyder RS can rocket from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 191 mph. This puts it ahead of its predecessor, the 718 Spyder, by an additional 79 horsepower and a 0.5-second improvement in acceleration time. The Spyder RS also weighs 59 pounds less than the previous model, thanks to its lightweight construction.
The front end of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is almost identical to the front end of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, with a standard front lid made of CFRP and two NACA ducts to enhance brake cooling without affecting the drag coefficient. Sideblades on the outer ends of the bumper contribute to downforce, while the front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS to achieve aerodynamic balance.
The new 718 Spyder RS also features a unique manually-operated, lightweight, soft top with a sun shield and a weather protector. Both are completely removable and can be stowed in the vehicle. The single-layer lightweight Spyder soft-top can be used with the sun shield alone, shading the driver and passenger, while the weather protector provides complete top protection against rain when the side windows are raised.
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses a combination of components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder and comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with sports calibration. The ride height, toe, camber, and anti-roll bars are all adjustable, with the behaviour of the chassis characterized by sharp steering precision and agile and neutral handling.
The car’s sporty characteristics define the interior, with functional and ergonomic essentials. The Race-Tex covered GT Sport steering wheel features a yellow 12-o’clock marking, while the standard Full Bucket seats are lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish and offer a high degree of lateral support.
“The new 718 Spyder RS is a true testament to Porsche’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation,” says Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “With its exceptional performance capabilities and stunning design, it is sure to become a favourite among sports car enthusiasts worldwide.”
Also Read: Mercedes-AMG One Sets New Lap Record at Monza, Dethrones Porsche 911 GT3 RS
