Based on the popular 718 Boxster, the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes open-air driving to the extreme. It’s powered by the same 4.0-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine found in the 911 GT3 and Cayman GT4 RS. Pumping out 493 horsepower, this engine delivers immediate thrust, propelling the Spyder RS from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 3.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 191 mph. The only transmission is a 7-speed PDK automatic.
With a price tag starting just above $160,000, you might think the Spyder RS comes loaded with every feature imaginable, but you’d be wrong. Thanks to Porsche’s lengthy customization options and performance upgrades, pushing the price tag well past the $200,000 mark is not hard.
Prices are correct at time of publishing.
What’s New
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is a new model for 2024. It offers the same performance attributes found in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS but in convertible form.
718 Spyder RS
Starting at $160,700 | See listings
- 493-hp flat-6 engine
- Porsche Torque Vectoring
- Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
- Limited-slip differential
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Navigation
- Sport seats
- See more
2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS: $160,700
The 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS combines the best attributes of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS with the open-air joy of the 718 Boxster convertible. The Cayman’s front end is grafted to the RS, including the carbon-reinforced front hood, but around back, a ducktail spoiler replaces the Cayman’s rear wing.
Bi-xenon headlights provide illumination.
The removable lightweight soft-top features two parts. A tarp-like sunshade covers the driver and passenger while leaving the side and rear open. An additional Weather Protector attaches to the sunshade to create a full soft-top allowing the windows to seal when rolled up.
The RS rolls on staggered 20-inch GT4 RS forged aluminum wheels, 8.5 inches wide up front and 11 inches wide at the rear.
A specially tuned Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system continually adapts to changing dynamics, resulting in a 30-millimeter (a little more than an inch) lower ride height. Other performance features include Porsche Torque Vectoring and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Owners can tune the 718 Spyder’s performance via adjustable settings for the toe, camber, ride height, and anti-roll bars.
The RS is, first and foremost, a performance machine. It’s not big on advanced driver-assist systems or semiautonomous driving hardware. That said, it is no surprise that the extent of safety systems boils down to mandated equipment such as airbags, traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes. There’s also a tire pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, and a rear backup camera.
The 718 Spyder RS features a 7-speed PDK automatic transmission with launch control. A PDK Sport button replaces the Auto Blip button in the other 718 models, creating shorter, more dynamic shifts.
The Spyder RS sees its spring and shock damping rates reduced compared to the GT4 RS, creating a slightly more relaxed ride in line with the convertible’s nature.
The Spyder RS comes nicely equipped and comfortable without being overly technical. Amenities include 2-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control, and a 6-speaker audio system with a 110-watt amplifier. The infotainment setup is rudimentary, with a 7-inch touchscreen granting access to navigation, an AM/FM/HD Radio tuner, a CD/DVD player, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay (sorry, Android users, you’re out of luck).
Occupants enjoy a set of full bucket seats in leather and perforated Race-Tex. The lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic seats are electrically height adjustable and feature integrated side airbags.
Moving to the optional equipment brings several paint choices, including special colors such as Shark Blue, Ruby Star Neo, and Arctic Grey. Buyers can also select various color options for the wheels, brake calipers, and interior.
Seat options include 18-way adaptive Sport seats, heated front seats, or 3D-printed Bodyform full bucket seats in soft, medium, or hard. Rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming interior and side mirrors also are available.
In addition to numerous interior and exterior styling packages, you can order your 718 Spyder RS with a 505-watt, 10-speaker Bose audio system.
On the performance end, the 718 Spyder RS offers a front-axle lift system that allows the front end to lift 1.1 inches (for extra clearance) at speeds up to 37 mph. Porsche ceramic composite brakes, the Sport Chrono Package, and adaptive Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) LED headlights are also available. The PDLS system adjusts the beam’s range, direction, and width depending on the driving speed and tightness of the curves.
Finally, we come to the ultimate upgrade, the $12,570 Weissach Package. The package adds numerous exposed carbon-fiber exterior bits and pieces, titanium tailpipes, and Weissach logos inside and out. Weissach, incidentally, is the name of Porsche’s famed test center. Say it like this (Vy-sock) for instant credibility amongst your friends.
For an additional $15,640, you can upgrade to lightweight forged magnesium 20-inch wheels. Checking the box for this upgrade automatically includes the Weissach Package and an interior color upgrade, bringing the total cost of these options to just over $30,000.
With the $1,650 destination charge, the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS costs $162,350. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $3,064. See 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS models for sale near you
2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS includes:
- 4.0-liter engine – Plucked from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car, the 4.0-liter boxer engine produces 493 hp, a 9,000-rpm redline, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds.
- PASM suspension – The RS suspension lowers the car by 30 millimeters, helping it better hug the ground during aggressive cornering.
- Available 3D-printed Bodyform driver’s seat – The 3D-printed driver’s seat replaces the seat cushion and seatback with lightweight materials with varying degrees of firmness, creating a custom-fitting seat mimicking seats found in professional race cars.
