The original Porsche Boxster concept of 1992 was something of a tribute to the Fifties 718 RSK race car, a lightweight mid-engine masterpiece that helped put the Stuttgart brand on the map. Now, the Boxster finally gets the RS label. Like the 718 Cayman GT4 RS it shares much with, the new 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS uses the now-legendary 4.0-liter, 9000-rpm naturally aspirated flat-six that powers the 911 GT3. That alone makes it the ultimate Boxster.
Also like the Cayman GT4 RS, which uses intake ducts routed through the interior, the Spyder RS has a fancy induction system. Just behind the seats are two snorkels that feed the flat-six, and standard, you get a new stainless-steel sports exhaust. It makes 493 hp to the GT3's 502, as the extra exhaust length required for a mid-engine car saps a bit of power. The torque figure is slightly lower, too 331 lb-ft vs 346 lb-ft for the GT3. The only transmission is a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch with the same shorter final drive as the GT4 RS. Unfortunately, a manual doesn't work with this engine in a mid-engine car. A mechanical limited-slip is standard.
Porsche says the Spyder RS weighs 3214 pounds, 59 pounds lighter than a PDK-equipped non-RS Spyder, and just nine pounds more than the manual Spyder. The basic suspension hardware is a mix of pieces from both the regular Spyder and the GT4 RS, with all rubber bushings replaced by ball joints. The Spyder uses softer springs and adaptive dampers to provide a more comfortable ride, and those dampers are. Ride height, camber, toe, and anti-roll bar stiffness is all adjustable, so the owner can tailor the car to their preferences.
Some of the weight savings compared with the standard Spyder comes from a new removable top, which consists of a sunshade and a weather protector that acts as sort of rear bulkhead. Porsche says the entire top assembly it's 16 pounds lighter than the standard Spyder's manual-folding top, and over 36 pounds lighter than a standard Boxster's power-operated top. With the sunshade in place, you can drive up to 124 mph, but don't drive through an automated car wash—the windows roll up, but there's still a gap between the trailing edge of the window and the buttresses created by the top. The weather protector should allow you to park the car in the rain. Both the sunshade and weather protector can be stored in the car while driving.
The Spyder RS gets a lot of the same aero treatments as the GT4 RS including NACA ducts in the hood for brake cooling, cutaways behind the front wheels, and a sizable rear diffuser. No wing, however, just a spoiler integrated into the rear decklid with a carbon-fiber Gurney attached. Optional is the Weissach Package, which brings extra carbon fiber exterior and interior components, titanium tailpipes, plus the ability to order magnesium wheels.
Starting price is $162,150, though inevitably, there will be hefty dealer markups. Porsche says the car will arrive in U.S. in the Spring of 2024. Porsche is moving away from internal-combustion with the 718 Boxster and Cayman, so the Spyder, like the GT4 RS will be a high watermark for the lineup. Porsche's going out with a bang here.
A car enthusiast since childhood, Chris Perkins is Road & Track's engineering nerd and Porsche apologist. He joined the staff in 2016 and no one has figured out a way to fire him since. He street-parks a Porsche Boxster in Brooklyn, New York, much to the horror of everyone who sees the car, not least the author himself. He also insists he's not a convertible person, despite owning three.
