Porsche says goodbye to 718 Boxster with new 368 kW Spyder RS

It’s replacement, and indeed that of the Cayman, already undergoing testing with motivation set to come from an electric powertrain only, Porsche has unveiled what is likely to be the swansong version of the current generation 718 Boxster, the limited run Spyder RS.

A moniker still being used for the Boxster, albeit without the RS suffix, the newcomer represents the most hardcore derivative of the internally named 982 Boxster Stuttgart has been producing since 2016.

Said to also pay tribute to the concept Boxster that debuted 30 years ago, the RS also gets the most powerful version of Porsche’s 4.0-litre normally aspirated flat-six engine to date, in addition to a weight loss of 40 kg over the standard 718 Boxster.

More aggressive

In effect the drop-top version of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the Spyder RS’ visual changes from the conventional Boxster comprises lightweight 20-inch forged alloy wheels, a 30 mm lower ride height, a carbon fibre reinforced plastic bonnet with functioning air ducts, wider air intakes on the flanks of the front bumper and a rear spoiler reduced in size from the Cayman, but still working in tandem with the front lip spoiler and diffuser to improve downforce.

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As with the previous generation Spyder, the roof needs to be removed manually and according to Porsche, has also been subjected to weight saving in that it tips the scales, with all of its components, at 18.3 kg, 7.6 kg less than the normal Spyder and 16.5 kg down on the normal 718 Boxster.

In addition to the exterior additions, which adds Spyder RS badging to the base of the doors, Porsche has made the optional Weissach Package available that sees the mentioned alloys being swapped-out for magnesium wheels and the exhaust system made-out of titanium.

Small but noticeable changes inside

Inside, the unique Spyder RS touches consists of the RS steering wheel trimmed in RaceTex fabric and with yellow 12 o’clock marking, red Spyder RS embroidered headrests, the carbon fibre reinforced plastic bucket seats trimmed in leather/RaceTex with either Arctic Grey or Carmine Red central inserts, stitching on the dashboard, steering wheel, gear lever, doors, centre console and armrest, and Spyder RS branded door sills.

As part of the Weissach Package, the interior receives a RaceTex finished upper dashboard section, plus a titanium Porsche Design chronograph made specifically for the Spyder RS.

Improved dynamics

Underneath, and addition to the mentioned lowered ride height, the Porsche Active Suspension Management system comes standard, but retuned to suit the Spyder RS’s characteristics.

Also included is the Porsche Torque Vectoring system, new springs and dampers, individually adjustable anti-roll bars and ride height settings, a mechanical limited slip differential and revised ball joint bearings.

About that power…

The revised dynamics and weight saving translates to a kerb mass of 1 410 kg, which, when combined with the free-breathing flat-six’s outputs of 368kW/450Nm – the most of any generation Boxster – translates to a top speed of 308 km/h and 0-100 km/h 3.4 seconds.

Compared to the standard 718 Boxster Spyder, the RS not only boasts more power, 59kW/20Nm, but accelerates 0.5 seconds faster while also being eight kilometres per hour better off.

Unlike the Spyder though, the RS is only available with the revised version of the seven-speed PDK transmission.

How much?

Confirmed to make its public debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Porsche South Africa has revealed a sticker price of R3 024 000, with delivers set to commence from early next year.

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