2023 Porsche 718 Spyder RS debuts as the final ICE Boxster

KUALA LUMPUR: Porsche introduced the petrol-powered 718 as the Boxster back in 1995. Fast forward to today, the automaker says goodbye to the internal combustion engine era in the 718 lineup with the introduction of the all-new 718 Spyder RS. It is now set to embrace a pure-electric drivetrain in 2025.

The 2023 Porsche 718 Spyder RS reveal coincides with the Porsche Sports Cars’ 75th anniversary. It sits on top of the 718 range and is known to be the most powerful version of the mid-engined roadster ever.

Let’s get to know the key highlights of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS - 

• The sports car is powered by a 4.0-litre NA six-cylinder boxer engine, which generates a maximum power of 492 hp and a peak torque of 450 Nm
• The engine is paired with a seven-speed PDK dual-l-clutch transmission, enabling the car to run from zero to 100 kmph in 3.4 seconds and zero to 200 kmph in 10.9 seconds
• The top speed is rated at 308 kmph

• The car’s front design looks much similar to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Among the key highlights are - the front bonnet made up of CFRP, side blades at the bumper, a slightly shorter front spoiler lip, a larger rear wing, and a lightweight stainless steel sport exhaust system

• It also features a manually operated single-layer soft top, which has two parts - a sun sail and a weather deflector. Both are removable and can be kept in the car when not required
• The new sports car runs on 20-inch forged aluminium wheels
• Part of the underpinnings are - Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, Porsche Torque Vectoring, and a mechanical limited-slip differential 

• The key interior inclusions are - a leather dashboard trim, RS sports steering wheel featuring a yellow 12-o’clock marking, and full bucket seats with the ‘Spyder RS’ logo on the headrest

Porsche GT Cars Head, Andreas Preuninger said, “The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars. The combination of our unmistakable 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.”

The whooping price tag of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS reads $162,150, which is approximately equal to RM 723,089.

What are your views on the all-new Porsche 718 Spyder RS? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Porsche introduces the all-new Cayenne at 2023 Auto Shanghai show