Porsche’s Convertible Marvel: The Sensational Boxster 718 RS Spyder

Porsche boasts an impressive track record when it comes to RS track weapons and stylish open-top roadsters, but the fusion of the two is a rarity. Making an exception for the final chapter of petrol-powered Boxsters, the brand introduces the formidable and dynamic 718 RS Spyder.

While the 718 Cayman GT4 RS focuses on maximum downforce, its convertible counterpart, the RS Spyder, hones in on aerodynamic stability and balance. A sleek ducktail-style piece replaces the massive rear spoiler, creating a distinctive silhouette atop the double-bubble rear deck.

Retaining all the performance highlights – a 30mm lowered ride height, wider track, 991.2 GT3 RS front axle, and centre-lock alloys – the Spyder RS sheds the roof without compromising strength. Porsche insists no additional strengthening is required, asserting that the 718 was meticulously crafted from the ground up to embrace its Spyder persona.

Weighing in at 1410kg, the Spyder RS is 5kg lighter than its coupe counterpart, with the folding roof contributing just 18.3kg to the overall weight savings. Beyond shedding pounds, the Spyder RS addresses the GT4 RS’s spicy spring rates, softening them by 55 per cent at the front and 43 per cent at the rear, accompanied by recalibrated damper tunes.

Customers retain the flexibility to fine-tune settings like ride height, anti-roll, and camber, with the base setup perfectly tailored for UK roads. Notably, the rear end exhibits enhanced stability over quick bumps, instilling confidence on less-than-perfect road surfaces.

An acoustic delight emanates from the 911 GT3-sourced 4.0-litre flat-six engine, creating an orchestration of engine notes and exhaust tones. Loud, almost raucous, depending on roof configurations, it’s a refreshing departure from the hum of electric vehicles. The engine, while not as melodious as the 911 GT3, delivers savage responses, rapid acceleration, and pairs seamlessly with the seven-speed PDK gearbox, arguably the finest double-clutch transmission on the market.

While the Spyder RS exhibits some compromises, such as the less-than-rapid roof operation and the desire for more steering feel, its unique blend of performance and open-top exhilaration makes it a compelling choice. With its formidable features and dynamic finesse, this convertible marvel is now available for automotive enthusiasts at £123,000, unequivocally justifying its superior position over the identically priced GT4 RS.