Porsche celebrates 30 years of Boxster with fastest and most powerful 718 roadster ever built
The hardest, fastest and most powerful Porsche Boxster of all time – the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS – has been revealed in Germany and will arrive Down Under in the second quarter of next year, priced from $336,800 plus on-road costs.
Packing a wealth of carbon-fibre components and a mildly detuned version of the Porsche 911 GT3’s 4.0-litre flat six-cylinder petrol engine, the 718 Spyder RS is the most aggressive Boxster ever launched, with a kerb weight of just 1410kg and outputs of 368kW and 450Nm.
All of that sonorous, free-breathing goodness is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a close-ratio seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission with the aid of a limited-slip rear differential.
The extra 59kW of power and 40kg weight saving over to the regular Porsche 718 Spyder sees the RS launch from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds – half a second faster – and hit 200km/h in a claimed 10.6sec.
But there’s more to the Spyder RS than straight-line performance, with dynamics taken to a higher plane with the help of a front aero package that’s almost identical to the related Cayman GT4 RS.
The aero work includes side blades on the outer extremities of the front bumper and a front spoiler lip that’s slightly shorter than on the Cayman GT4 RS. It’s not as long because the Cayman has a large rear wing that produces more downforce and therefore needs a larger spoiler lip to ensure optimum aerodynamic balance and high-speed stability.
The Spyder, on the other hand, has a ducktail rear spoiler instead of a wing, which changes up the aero balance.
Under the skin is largely the same chassis set-up as the GT4 RS but spring and damper rates have been reduced, Porsche says, “to achieve a more relaxed, characteristically convertible-style set-up”.
Still, the Spyder RS rides up to 30mm lower than the already intense Spyder, with drivers able to adjust the ride height, camber, tracks and anti-roll bar settings independently without interfering with the tailored adaptive damping system. Forged 20-inch wheels are standard.
The Spyder RS has a minimalist interior design in keeping with its harder-core focus and weight-saving ethos.
Highlights include leather and Race-Tex-upholstered carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic bucket seats, a Race-Tex-wrapped sports steering wheel flaunting a yellow 12 o’clock marker, and embossed Spyder RS logos.
Australian-spec cars are fitted standard with dynamic LED headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, light design package and digital radio.
Heated seats and a Bose surround sound system are also available as a no-cost option.
Those wanting even more of an athletic aura in their lightweight mid-ship Porsche can opt for the available Weissach Package which adds titanium exhaust tips, Race-Tex dash upholstery and the option of forged magnesium wheels.
As the swansong for the 718 Boxster/Cayman range, Porsche GT Cars director Andreas Preuninger said the 718 Spyder RS “raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top vehicles”.
“The combination of our unmistakeable 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,” he said.
The Australian order book for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is now open ahead of first deliveries due from around April next year.
How much does the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster cost?
Boxster (m) – $136,600
Boxster (a) – $173,260
Style Edition (m)– $140,800
Stye Edition (a) – $142,220
S (m) – $162,600
S (a) – $167,180
GTS (m) – $199,000
GTS (a) – $204,390
Spyder RS (a) – $336,800
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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Keyword: 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS revealed and priced